PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Contact Information

For information about our graduate programs please contact us:

Ms. Celeste Hackett

118 Kinard Lab

Clemson University

Clemson, SC 29634-0978

email: Graduate Information
phone: 864-656-3418

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to Clemson Applications for graduate study are submitted through the Clemson University Graduate School. Applications submitted electronically are most efficiently processed, and are highly recommended. Briefly, we require the

General GRE,

transcripts,

at least two recommendation letters

(TOEFL for non-native speakers of English).

The GRE Physics subject test is not required. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Application Deadlines for Fall Admission:

Dec 15 Applications receive full consideration for assistantship and early fellowship opportunities

Jan 15 Applications receive full consideration for assistantship and fellowship opportunities

Feb 22 Acceptance letters are mailed out

Apr 15 Deadline for response for accepted candidates

Application Deadlines for Spring Admission:

Sep 15 Applications receive full consideration for assistantship and fellowship opportunities

Oct 22 Acceptance letters are mailed out

Nov 30 Deadline for response for accepted candidates

Research Opportunities

Our graduate students (and majors) participate extensively in our major thrusts in research:

• Astrophysics
• Atmospheric & Space Physics
• Biophysics
• Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
• all other group webpages are already listed on our webpage

There are currently opportunities available in all of these areas. See individual Faculty Members' Research and Web pages.  Feel free to contact individual faculty about their research. If you have special interests and skill sets, imagine how you can contribute.

Financial Support 
There are several types of financial support available for students in the graduate programs, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Each type of support is awarded to qualified students on a competitive basis. Continuation of all support is based upon satisfactory progress towards a degree.

Assistantships 
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) are the most common type of financial support for incoming graduate students. The duties usually entail teaching two or three undergraduate labs per semester, and/or grading assignments for undergraduate courses. No specific teaching duties are assigned in summer, but students are expected after their first year to have found a research group they intend to work in.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) are available to graduate students through research grants and contracts held by faculty members in the department.  They are awarded based on availability and the qualifications of the recipients and may supplement or replace GTA funds.

Fellowships 

Several Fellowships are awarded by the Graduate School. The department nominates candidates who compete with other nominees throughout the university. Fellowships require no explicit duties, and allow for more time to concentrate on courses and research.

Degree Programs
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
The doctoral program in Physics and Astronomy simply requires students to gain admission to Ph.D. candidacy and write and defend a dissertation. Admission to candidacy requires 1) an M.S. degree in Physics or closely related subject, or equivalent experience (such as published research), 2) passing a written qualifying examination, and 3) passing an oral PhD topic defense and qualifying examination. Outstanding students may petition the Faculty to bypass the M.S. degree requirement, usually on the basis of published research results.

Master of Science Degree
The M.S. program in Physics and Astronomy has two options, a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Most students take the Thesis Option, which requires 24 hours of coursework in Physics and Astronomy, with at least 12 hours at the 800 level or above, plus at least 6 hours of PHYS 891, Research in Physics and Astronomy, which culminates in the writing of a Thesis submitted to the Graduate School. The Non-Thesis option requires 30 hours of coursework plus at least 6 hours of PHYS 890, Directed Studies in Physics and Astronomy, which leads to a written paper describing those studies. Both options require a final examination (defense). Students with a normal Physics B.S. background are expected to complete the M.S. program in 2 to 2.5 years.

Physics & Astronomy Graduate Courses 
See our currently offered courses in Physics and Astronomy. Additional special topics courses are also offered.