Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics

The Ph.D. program requires 60 credits, including dissertation research. Candidates for the degree must pass an oral comprehensive examination and a doctoral research admission examination. 

Visit the graduate academic catalog and Doctorate in Physics degree pathway for complete program details and course descriptions.

UMass Lowell's physics Ph.D. program prepares graduates for positions in academia, national laboratories, government agencies, major medical facilities and industry. Recent graduates have worked at: 

• Argonne National Lab
• Boston University
• Duke University
• Harvard University
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Los Alamos National Lab
• Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
• U.S. Department of Energy

• Application:
  • Summer 2025-Spring 2026,
  • Summer 2026-Spring 2027
• Application Fee: $50
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
• Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
• Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:
  • Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science,
  • Medical Physics and Radiological Sciences.
  • Some programs will waive the test score requirements under certain conditions.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants

All required documents are due to the Office of Graduate Admissions by February 15 for full Fall consideration. Applications received after this date will be reviewed for the next semester.

International Applicants

A transcript evaluation is required for the M.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Applied Biology.

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated.  Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

• Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
•  Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
• Duolingo: 115+
• ASC English: Level 6+
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+