We invite you to join our community of scientists. Here you can build your foundation in physics, engage in innovative research, create an exciting career鈥攁nd discover your own questions. The Ph.D. program offers considerable flexibility in course selection, including those from other disciplines, allowing you to create a highly individualized program of study.
Program requirements: PHY510, PHY520, PHY525, PHY530, PHY570, PHY580 are core courses required for all students. In addition to the core courses, students in the Physics track will be required to take: PHY610, PHY630, PHY670, PHY680, and either one of (PHY625, PHY 626). In addition to the core courses, students in the Applied Physics track will be required to take: PHY540, PHY 560, one of (PHY625, PHY 626), one of (PHY630, PHY670), and one of (PHY610, PHY680). The choice of tracks and courses should be done with adviser鈥檚 approval. No replacements by courses from outside the Department are allowed. There is no formal departmental language requirement, although the candidate鈥檚 committee may require demonstration of language proficiency. Successful completion of a qualifying examination is required of all students. This examination is normally expected to be taken in the summer preceding the second year of studies.
September 2025
University of Rhode Island
Kingston Campus,
75 Briar Lane,
KINGSTON,
Rhode Island,
2881, United States
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree, preferably with a major in physics. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including the advanced test in physics, is recommended but not required. To be accepted as a graduate degree candidate, applicants should have maintained an average of approximately B (3.0/4.0 scale) in their undergraduate work. Applicants with undergraduate averages below this level, but not less than 2.0, may be admitted by submitting other evidence of academic potential; i.e., satisfactory performance in post-baccalaureate work, professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation, and/or high test scores.
Language Proficiency
Required scores on the Internet-based (iBT) and Computer-based TOEFL:
An overall score of 80 or above (82 for teaching assistantship consideration), AND Minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 19; Writing: 18; Listening: 17; Speaking: 18 (the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20).
Other scores that may be accepted in place of TOEFL scores (please check with your department):
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): All scores must be sent directly to URI. Required minimum score of 6.5, AND minimum scores in the following areas: Reading: 6.5; Writing: 6.5; Listening: 6.5; Speaking: 6.5 (The suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 7).
Duolingo English Test: Required minimum score of 105 (Score of 110 for a teaching assistantship)
Pearson Test of English: Required minimum scores are Reading 53, Writing 59, Listening 47, and Speaking 47 (62 for international teaching assistants)
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Required minimum score of B2
Application deadline is February 15 for fall start.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
