How To Apply For Admission
to the Physics Graduate Program
There are two steps to the application process. First, you pre-apply to the Physics Department for financial assistance as a teaching assistant, and secondly, you apply to the Graduate College for admission to the university as a graduate student.
Optionally, you may apply to the Graduate College first, but then you will have to pay an application fee before any processing will occur. No fee is charged for the departmental pre-application.
Recommended Procedure:
Step 1:Pre-Apply directly to the Physics Department
(no fee)
- Download the Physics Department Pre-Application Packet (*.pdf includes forms and instructions)
- Follow instructions included with packet carefully
- Arrange for all departmentally required items to be sent directly to:
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Physics
145 Physical Sciences Building
Stillwater, OK 74078-3072
USA - Direct all inquiries (email, telephone, etc.) concerning STEP 1 only to the Physics Department Graduate Coordinator
- Your file, once complete, will be reviewed by the Physics Department's Graduate Committee. If the committee approves, then you shall be notified via email and invited to proceed to STEP 2.
STEP 2:Apply to the Graduate College
(fee required; non-waivable)
- Wait for STEP 1 approval before proceeding if you wish.
- Submit the Graduate College Online Application Form
- Follow instructions on Graduate College website carefully
- Email inquiries concerning STEP 2 to the Graduate College
- Important Note (concerning transcripts and TOEFL/IELTS): Unfortunately, the Physics Department cannot forward copies of transcripts or TOEFL/IELTS credentials (from STEP 1) to the Graduate College; rather, you must separately arrange for such credentials to be sent to the Graduate College directly (see the Graduate College website for their exact requirements concerning how transcripts and TOEFL/IELTS credentials are to be provided).
Departmental pre-application materials may also be obtained by writing to the Physics Department Graduate Coordinator.
All Students: |
The GRE is not strictly required but is strongly recommended. |
International Students: |
Please note OSU's TOEFL (or IELTS) requirements - see instructions. |
Application Deadlines |
|
Domestic Students: |
By March 1 (for Fall admission); By October 15 (for Spring admission) |
International Students: |
By March 1 (for Fall admission); By August 1 (for Spring admission) |
International Students must have an iBT TOEFL score of at least 79 (or 550 on the pBT TOEFL) for admission, or, an IELTS academic stream score of at least 6.5. Furthermore, applicants must have at least an 85 (or 610 on the pBT TOEFL) to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship. Additional certification procedures for international students to teach laboratory or recitation sections are required.
For fullest consideration, the COMPLETE set of STEP 1 materials must be received by the deadlines given above. However, late submissions might possibly be considered (only if resources permit).

