How to Apply

Graduate Student Admissions

Thank you for your interest in graduate studies in Physics at Washington University! The Department of Physics offers both Masters and PhD programs in Physics. The Masters program takes two years to complete and the PhD program typically takes between five and six years to complete. Students are admitted into our graduate program in the Fall semester beginning near the end of August. 

Admissions Requirements

For admission to our Masters or PhD program, a Bachelors degree is required. Letters of recommendation, academic transcript(s), and a statement of purpose are required.  GRE scores are not required.

TOEFL Requirements

Students applying to either program from non-English speaking countries are required to demonstrate proficiency in English via the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 90 and the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 7. 

Applying for Admission

Please apply directly online. There is a $45 application fee. The GRE/TOEFL Institution Code for Washington University in St. Louis Graduate School is 6929.

In addition, copies of transcripts (either official or unofficial) must be uploaded at the time of application for each institution you have attended. For more information, see https://gradstudies.artsci.wustl.edu/admissions-faq.

Questions should be addressed to Sarah Akin, the secretary of the Graduate Admissions Committee, gradinfo@physics.wustl.edu or by telephone (314)935-6250.

Additional Office of Graduate Studies Application Information

The Office of Graduate Studies' general application process.

Application Information

Grad School Shopper Information

Sabrina Chen

"I really enjoy my life at Wash U Physics. People are very nice and friendly here. We have mentors who help new students get familiar with the department. We have great professors who give professional advice about courses and research. We also have many social events that bind everyone in the department together, such as physics picnics, holiday parties, and graduate seminars. Wash U Physics provides a great atmosphere for me to learn and enjoy my PhD life."

―Sabrina ChenPhD Candidate