Key information
- Duration: Full-time, 60 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting August 2027; Apply before Jan 2027
Overview
The Physics programme at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) integrates rigorous core graduate physics coursework, professional development seminars, written qualifying examinations, research proposal presentations, candidacy admission, and original dissertation research. Candidates demonstrate core mastery by passing a four-part written qualifying examination covering Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism.
Key Facts
Doctoral candidates collaborate closely with faculty advisors across primary research thrusts: Materials and Solid-State Physics, Optics and Quantum Information Science, Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Physics. Key research focus areas encompass quantum optics, quantum information processing, and light-matter interactions; condensed matter theory, semiconductor physics, and polymer properties; observational high-energy astrophysics and extragalactic phenomena; and atmospheric remote sensing, inverse mathematical modeling, and environmental dynamics.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Classical Mechanics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Mathematical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics I
- Quantum Mechanics II
- Classical Electricity and Magnetism I
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: 3
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 115
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
The admission process is competitive, with selections determined by an Admissions Committee comprised of faculty members of the Department of Physics. The number of available admission slots varies from year to year based on faculty and financial resources. Applicants are required to submit undergraduate transcripts, 3 recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
GRE tests are not required, and any submitted scores will not be taken into consideration. Other information not specifically requested as part of the application will also not be taken into consideration.
Note for International Applicants: All international applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Admissions Committee Chair 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 scores.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International tuition fees: 40,309 AUD / year (≈ 29,010 USD / year)