Admission: Applicants considered for admission have usually completed the equivalent of an undergraduate major in physics and maintained an average of at least B or better in physics and in mathematics. Calculus and ordinary differential equations are prerequisite to all courses. Special consideration is given to applicants with an undergraduate major in mathematics, engineering, or another science. Such students ordinarily take remedial work to make up undergraduate deficiencies in physics before they proceed in the regular degree program.

Applicants are required to submit scores from the general and subject tests of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Colloquia and Seminars: Faculty and students attend the weekly departmental colloquia, which highlight progress in cutting-edge research areas of broad and general interest. The department holds weekly seminars in astrophysics, particle physics, atomic optical and molecular physics, nonlinear dynamics, condensed matter physics, theoretical physics, relativity, and cosmology. Distinguished lectures endowed by the James Arthur and Stanley H. Klosk Funds are held periodically. Informal interactions and “journal clubs”—where students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty discuss research in progress—promote collaboration within and across subfields. Interaction is also fostered with programs at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, the Center for Neuroscience (program for theoretical neuroscience), the School of Medicine, and the Departments of Chemistry and Biology.

Special Notes: Although students may be admitted at midyear, many courses are full-year courses, so it may not be possible for those students to enroll for a full-time program. Full-time students are expected to carry either three courses per semester or the equivalent in approved research.

DEPARTMENTAL FINANCIAL AID

A number of financial aid programs are available for qualified graduate students in physics. Further information can be obtained by writing to the department in care of the graduate secretary.

Note: Financial aid is generally awarded only to students in the doctoral program. Accordingly, interested students should apply to that program.

A comprehensive list of University, Graduate School, and departmental fellowships, prizes, and awards appears in the Financing Graduate Education section of the GSAS Application for Admission and Financial Aid. This information is also available on the GSAS Web site at http://gsas.nyu.edu/page/grad.financialaid.