Overview

The Physics and Applied Physics programme at Virginia Commonwealth University covers areas like condensed matter physics, general relativity and cosmology, offering a blend of theory and practical experience.

Students in this programme must choose between two paths:

Thesis option: This path involves engaging in research and writing a thesis. It's an excellent choice if you're interested in gaining hands-on research experience and exploring a specific area of physics in depth.

Non-thesis option: If you prefer a broader approach to learning without focusing on a research project, this option might be right for you. It culminates in a comprehensive written exam, overseen by the physics graduate curriculum committee.

Career Opportunities

A degree in physics equips you with a broad range of skills that are highly transferable across industries. These include analytical thinking, mathematical proficiency, data analysis, and proficiency in programming and experimental techniques.

Patent Attorney

Data Scientist

Mathematician

Medical Doctor

Nanosystems Engineer

Physicist

Physics Professor

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Elementary Astronomy

Wonders of Technology

General Physics

University Physics

Science, Technology and Society

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Richmond, United States

Disciplines

Physics Mathematics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 79 other Masters in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Students must have a minimum of 30 credit hours in undergraduate physics or engineering, of which at least 18 credit hours must be at the upper-level in physics.

Students must present satisfactory GRE scores.

For admission to graduate study at VCU, the Graduate School requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. or better, however, an individual department may waive this requirement as identified through a holistic review of an application.

Letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study may be required.

Statement of intent.

All non-native English-speaking applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency

Virginia Commonwealth University requires international students to meet specific health insurance standards. For complete information, please consult a university representative.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

19950 USD / year

≈ 19950 USD / year
Out-of-State

19950 USD / year

≈ 19950 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18724 USD / year

≈ 18724 USD / year

Additional Details

Yearly Tuition Fee for In-State Residents: $18,724 USD.

Living costs

Richmond

United States

1071 - 1750 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Physics and Applied Physics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Career Opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Richmond

Financing

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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