Brown University’s one or two year, on-campus master’s in physics offers focused training and the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in contemporary physics.
Designed to cultivate professional physicists, the master’s in physics program emphasizes a comprehensive mastery of the discipline's fundamental principles, methods and intellectual tools — complemented by opportunities to engage in original research.
The program prepares you for professional advancement and further graduate study through a rigorous yet flexible curriculum. You’ll develop a solid and broad base of physics through the core curriculum, while upper-level courses and topical research seminar series provide more specialized exposure.
This program offers the following degree:
- Master of science (Sc.M.): Coursework and thesis option
You can complete the degree in two, three or four semesters of full-time enrollment, with part-time options available for eligible candidates.
Upon completion of this degree, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your career or pursue further academic goals. Additionally, the department actively informs and advises about fellowship opportunities as they become available.
Additional Information
Brown undergraduates can apply to this program as a fifth-year master’s degree.
Application Information
Applicants are expected to have a strong background in physics or closely related subjects at the undergraduate level.
If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
Not required
TOEFL/IELTS:
Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia).
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted.
Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.
Official Transcripts:
Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three (3) recommendations required
Personal Statement:
1000-1500 word personal statement that gives your reasons to pursue graduate work in the field of your study. The statement should include examples of your past work in your chosen field, your plans for study at Brown, issues and problems you'd like to address in your field and your professional goals.
Resume/CV:
Required
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
5th Year Deadline
Tuition and Funding
Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates.
Completion Requirements
A total of 8 credits, or courses, at the 2000 level form the main requirement for a ScM degree in Physics, including completion of a Master's thesis.
Of the eight required courses, four will be selected from the six core courses of the PhD program. Preparation of a Master's thesis is highly recommended as it forms an important pillar of the professional training. Therefore, up to two of the eight courses may be Thesis Preparation. With approval of the program director, up to two credits may be 2000 level courses offered by another department.
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