Applications to the Physics PhD program and the Atmospheric Physics PhD program are done through the UMBC Graduate School website using the CollegeNet online application service. After creating a CollegeNet account, you can begin uploading application materials. You can save a partially completed application and return later to complete and submit your package. The submission deadline is January 7.
Applicants to the Physics PhD program will need to submit:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement of Purpose
- A statement on commitment to inclusive excellence
- Application fee of $50
Applicants to the Atmospheric Physics PhD program will need to submit:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement of Purpose
- A statement on commitment to inclusive excellence
- Application fee of $50
The UMBC Department of Physics is not collecting GRE test scores for applications for admission. If you report these scores, or any other information that is not requested as part of the application, we will not take them into account in your application evaluation.
Application packages are reviewed by an Admissions Committee comprised of Physics Department faculty members. Admissions decisions are typically made by the end of February, and there is an Open House “Visit Day” for admitted students in March.
Note for International Applicants: U.S. News and World Report recently listed UMBC among the nation’s most diverse universities, and there are students from over 150 different countries attending UMBC. All international applicants are encouraged to contact the Chair of Admissions for the Physics or Atmospheric Physics graduate program, by e-mail before beginning the application process for information about their eligibility and any special requirements. This initial e-mail should include the applicant’s undergraduate GPA and TOEFL, IETLS, or DuoLingo scores.
Note for MS Applicants: All students enrolled in the PhD programs can earn a non-terminal MS degree en-route to the PhD. We do not admit students directly into a terminal Master’s program.
For more information about the program and the application process, including the required application materials, see our FAQs for Prospective Graduate Students.
Click here to begin the application process through the UMBC Graduate School website.
For additional information or questions about the application and admissions process, please contact:
Dr. Sebastian Deffner
Chair of Admissions, Physics Graduate Program
deffner@umbc.edu
Dr. Pengwang Zhai
Director and Chair of Admissions, Atmospheric Physics Graduate Program
pwzhai@umbc.edu