• 2 Years of PSW

Admission to the Program

Most students admitted to the program will have undergraduate degrees in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or very closely related fields.  Ideal preparation includes coursework in calculus through multivariable and vector calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and statistical physics, quantum mechanics, computer programming, an introductory survey of all of astronomy, and some coursework in stellar astronomy, galactic astronomy, and extragalactic astronomy & cosmology.

On the other hand, we welcome students whose undergraduate degrees are outside Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or related fields. Some of our most successful students have had backgrounds in Music, Fine Arts, Psychology, or Economics!  However, it is crucial that students from such non-STEM backgrounds still have completed calculus through multivariable and vector calculus and had a thorough calculus-based introductory survey of all of physics. This coursework can be completed at community or junior colleges or extension schools affiliated with universities.  Upper-division undergraduate coursework can then be taken at SFSU before taking graduate coursework.

Applications for admission to the graduate program must include:

• Transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.  The overall GPA or the GPA in the last 60 units of study should be at least 3.0.  The GPA in mathematics and physics courses should also be at least 3.0.
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty who know your academic record and potential for independent research.
• A statement of purpose describing your interest in pursuing graduate study in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at SFSU.

We do not require the GRE General or Subject Tests.

Students whose GPA is slightly below 3.0 should contact the department in advance of applying; it may be possible to petition the Division of Graduate Studies to allow the application.

Students who attended foreign universities in which English was not the primary language of instruction will be required to submit results of the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR PSA COUNSELOR