Physics and Astronomy PhD Program, University of Southern California, 2022-2023

Description

This is the application for the Physics PhD program. If you are looking for the Physical Biology PhD Program, please go here.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southern California is always looking for motivated students to join our Ph.D. program. With more than 90 PhD students who come from all around the world, and 30 faculty members engaged in fundamental and applied research, the USC Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an exciting research environment in a vibrant cosmopolitan city. The areas of research span both pure and applied areas with research opportunities within the Department of Physics and Astronomy as well as the groups of our joint faculty. Apply today!

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found on this page.

Applications to our program:

1. Have no application fee

2. Do not require subject or general GRE

3. Potentially offer early admission.

Requirements

As well as the required information about you as an applicant, we will require the following:

1. Transcripts: Upload a PDF of your transcripts from all attended universities. You will not mail your official transcripts to USC until you are accepted to the program.
2. Research Experience and Interests (2 page maximum): In an uploaded PDF, describe your prior research experience and future research interests. Your prior research experience should include the overall goal of your work, your specific role, and any major accomplishments (including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations). Your future research interests should include the type of research you are interested in pursuing during graduate school, why you are interested in this research, and potential research advisors that may match their interests. Candidates are highly encouraged to contact professors in the department to discuss future fit.
3. Personal Statement (2 pages maximum): In an uploaded PDF, provide a personal statement describing your reasons for attending graduate school, why you think your background qualifies you for pursuing graduate studies, and your career goals. You can also include here any additional information that you may want to convey to the admissions committee.
4. Recommender Information (3 recommenders): You must have recommenders send their letters of recommendation through the system used.
   
5. International Students Only: TOEFL or IELTS Score Report: If your undergraduate degree is from a non-English speaking country, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS Score. You do not need to mail your official TOEFL or IELTS scores to USC until you are accepted to the program. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirement.
6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum): Upload a current resume/CV to the application.
7. Supplementary Documents (Optional): In PDF format, upload peer-reviewed papers, pre-prints, or other documents that may be helpful in evaluating your application.

If you have any questions, please contact the co-chairs of the Graduate Admissions Committee, Prof. Rosa di Felice (difelice@usc.edu) or Prof. Peter Chung (pjchung@usc.edu) for more information.