Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for consideration into the Graduate program for the 2023-2024 academic year?

Applications for Fall 2025 enrollment are now OPEN, the deadline for applications is January 15, 2025.

How do I apply for the Graduate Program in Physics at Georgetown?

All applications to the Graduate Physics Program should be submitted electronically through the Georgetown University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Application Portal.

How much is the application fees?

The application fee is $90 USD.

When are applicants notified of admission decisions?

Applicants are typically notified of admission decisions in February or March.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement for the Graduate Program in Physics?

Potential applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in an accredited undergraduate program

Is the Physics GRE required for admission into the Physics Graduate Program?

The Physics Subject GRE test requirement has been waived for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.

Is there a minimum TOEFL or IELTS Score for admission into the Physics Graduate Program?

A minimum score of 600 (paper) or 100 (iBT) on the TOEFL exam or 7.5 for the IELTS exam.

Please note that Georgetown University has discontinued the use of the Duolingo English Test for Graduate Admissions, effective July 2021

I am an International student, but I have a Bachelors and/or Master’s degree from a United States University, do I still need to the TOEFL exam?

If you have received a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree from higher education institution located in the United States you do not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam.

Where can I find more information regarding the Graduate School’s or the Physics departments specific application requirements and guidelines, and procedures?

Additional information regarding the Graduate School’s specific requirements and application procedures along with the online application portal, can be found here: Georgetown Graduate Application Procedures

Please visit out Physics Application Requirements page for more information.

Do you provide financial assistance?

The Graduate School promises 5 years of full financial support for full-time Ph.D students who maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Ph.D. students in their first 2 years of the Graduate program are typically supported by Teaching Assistantships from the Graduate School. Beyond the second year, students are usually supported through Research Assistantships with funds provided by a combination of fellowships, faculty research grants, and departmental funds. Students on the ILP track may also receive apprenticeship grants. The stipend for the academic year is set each year by the Graduate School. This stipend is paid bi-weekly from September through April.

How much is the Academic Year Stipend?

For the current 2024-25 academic year, the stipend is $38,950. This stipend may change in 2025-2026 due to cost of living increases.

Do you provide summer funding?

From May through August, the physics department provides full-time Ph.D. students a summer stipend. This stipend is paid biweekly. The summer stipend type and amount depends on how far along the student is in the program.

The summer stipend is significantly less than the stipend during the academic year, so students should plan accordingly.

The summer following the first academic year, students receive a non-service fellowship in the amount of $5,500. During that first summer, all students are expected to either prepare for the Comprehensive Exam (if required to take the exam) and/or engage in research.

In subsequent summers, students receive a service stipend. The stipend amount is $5,500 for those who have not yet passed the Qualifying Exam. The stipend increases to $6,500 after a student passes the Qualifying Exam.

Does the Department of Physics also offer a Master’s Degree program?

Yes, the Department of Physics does offer a Terminal Master Program; however, unlike the Ph.D. program which is funded by the University for the first 5 years, the Master’s program is not. Any student that is accepted into the Master’s Physics program will need to pay for this program out of pocket or locate external funding.

Can the program be completed as a part-time student?

The Physics Ph.D. program is a full-time program. It may be possible to complete the program as a part-time student on a case-by-case basis, however, this is not typically recommended. Part-time students are still subject to the same time to degree requirements as full-time students. These requirements are outlined by the Graduate School.

Is it possible to come and visit the department?

We welcome visits to the Department from prospective applicants. The Physics Department holds an Open House for prospective students typically in March. The Open House provides an opportunity for prospective students to meet current students and faculty, tour the campus and facilities, and learn more about the Graduate Physics program.

If you would like to visit outside of the Open House, please be sure to arrange your visit with the Graduate Program Coordinator at least two weeks prior your potential visit date. Note that Department cannot reimburse for visits to the Department outside of the Graduate Program Open House.

In addition, we have an informational webinar on our Graduate Program and Research Groups available on our website: Prospective Students and Applicants Page

What is the average length of time for the completion of the Ph.D. program?

Completion of the Ph.D. in Physics program will typically take five years; however, this timeframe can vary based on the student’s research progress. Additionally, Ph.D. students are only funded by the University for the first 5 years, after 5 years, the student must procure funding through other means (i.e. self-funded, research grants, etc.)

When is the start date for the Fall 2025 term?

August 27, 2025