Overview

The Martin A. Fisher School of Physics at Brandeis University has an international reputation for excellence in research and is one of the highest-ranked of its size in the country. Physics graduate students enjoy maximum curricular flexibility and the opportunity to make a well-informed choice of research field. Graduate students work closely with faculty in a wide variety of research, ranging from biophysics to particle physics, from microfluidics to radio astronomy to string theory. Two members of our faculty have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, and three are fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The department was awarded a major grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. Read more about our Physics programs on the department website. Application instructions can be found below.

Apply Financial Aid Program Site

How to Apply

Application Deadlines

• PhD: January 15
• MS: Rolling through May 1, beginning January 15. Please note that the application may be closed earlier if the desired cohort size is reached prior to May 1; questions can be emailed to scigradoffice@brandeis.edu. 

Application Requirements

To apply for the program, you need to submit:

• An online application

• An application fee

• Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be uploaded to your application; do not mail official transcripts to our office. For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions.

• Two letters of recommendation, submitted online

• A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the physics program and your objectives in undertaking this program. Applicants to the doctoral program should clearly outline their research interests and how they would complement those of the faculty. Applicants to the master's program should discuss their academic and professional career plans and how the Graduate School could help them attain their goals.

• Standardized tests: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test is required. The GRE subject test is recommended, but not required. Our GRE institution code is 3092 (please note: this institution code only applies to GRE scores). MyBest scores from ETS will not be accepted.

• Additional Requirements for International Applicants: English language proficiency scores (IELTS Academic, PTE, or TOEFL). IELTS TRF numbers can be entered directly into the application. MyBest scores from ETS will not be accepted; the TOEFL code for GSAS is 3261. PTE scores need to be delivered through Pearson testing. Further information about this requirement can be found on the International Students page.

For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please visit Frequently Asked Questions.