PhD

Physics

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Key facts

  • Program
    Doctorate
  • Duration
    5 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    10,952USD
  • Start date
    Aug, Jan

Program overview

What Clark University says about their program:

With Albert A. Michelson, a Nobel laureate, and Robert H. Goddard, the father of modern rocketry, as part of our distinguished history, Clark’s world-renowned physics doctoral program continues to offer unique opportunities to our graduate students.

Our program, which offers a Ph.D. in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics and biophysics, emphasizes active learning — with research beginning in a student’s first semester. This style, combined with our intimate size and the access students have to equipment not usually found at a university of our size, builds independence in a supportive, collaborative environment.

The physics doctoral program seeks independent students who are willing to work hard and collaborate closely with our world-class faculty, postdoctoral research associates, visiting scholars, and undergraduate students.

The program’s intimate size within a small, urban research university allows for interdisciplinary work with our research partners in biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, chemistry, and mathematics and computer science. As such, there’s a sense of community and shared purpose among our diverse group of students in and outside of our labs and research groups.

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Admission requirements

Postgraduate academic requirements

Successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study is required prior to starting the program.

English proficiency

  • TOEFL

    85 overall, sub-score minimum of 20

  • IETLS

    6.5 overall, sub-score minimum of 6

  • Duolingo

    120, sub-score minimum of 100

  • PTE

    61 overall with no band below 55

  • Completion of ELS

    112

  • Completion of EC English

    B2+ Pre-Advanced Level

English proficiency waivers

Students who are citizens of the following countries, or who have graduated from an accredited degree program at a university in these countries are exempt from the English language requirements:

  • Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Liberia, Lesotho, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Rwanda, Scotland, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, St. Helen, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, The U.S. Virgin Islands, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

Entry requirements

  • GMAT or GRE

    Required for all School of Management and Ph.D. programs) unless student has over 3 years working experience, from which, the university can consider a waiver.

  • MTEL exam

    Required for the MAT program

  • GRE Test scores

    Required for Ph.D. programs in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and Economics. This requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis

Documents required

  • Online application form
  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Your résumé
  • A personal statement in which you discuss your professional goals, your academic and/or research interests, and your plans for achieving these goals. Please outline your specific educational, professional, or other experiences that will contribute to your success in the program and in your career. This statement should not exceed 800 words.
  • Two letters of recommendation from employers, supervisors, professors, instructors, or others who are able to comment on your professional and educational goals and potential (no friends or relatives, please). These references should be able to judge your qualifications necessary for success in graduate coursework, including intellectual and analytical ability, oral and written communication skills, independence, initiative, and drive.
  • Academic transcripts from all intuitions attended – see Transcript Policy (LINK)
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency

NOTE: Certain programs require additional application materials

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Fees and funding

Clark University believe that an investment in your education has lifelong and wide-ranging returns.

Clark University offers generous scholarships and tuition discounts for each program, and the majority of students do not pay the full cost of tuition. Counselors are at the University to work with you individually to make graduate school affordable.

Funding

Clark University master’s and doctoral degree programs award generous merit-based scholarships to U.S. and international students who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to Clark community values. Merit-based scholarships are assessed during the application review process, and no additional application is required.

More than 90% of Clark graduate students, both U.S. and international, receive scholarships. Scholarship awards vary by department and program, and may total up to or more than 50% of tuition.

School of Management (SOM) Scholarships

The Clark University School of Management prepares leaders for a lifetime of success founded on the principles of social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical business practice. We benefit society through scholarship and active engagement with the world around us.

Department of International Development, Community, and Environment (IDCE) Scholarships

IDCE offers generous scholarships to all applicants who demonstrate a passion for creating positive change in their communities, their organizations, and the world.

Presidential Graduate Scholarships

Awarded to approximately five students each year, the Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious award for students whose academic record and leadership potential places them at the very top of Clark’s applicant pool; full tuition, on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of a family’s financial need.

Coverdell Fellowships for Returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) (IDCE and SOM)

Clark is committed to supporting graduate students who have served in the Peace Corps. Eligible returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for our Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship fellowships for study in the Department of International Development, Community, and Environment (IDCE) and the School of Management (SOM).

Harry E. and Elizabeth S. Schwarz Endowed Graduate Scholarships (IDCE)

This Fund will provide four scholarships for graduate students joining the Department of International Development, Community, and Environment (IDCE) in Fall 2023.

Fellowships for native/fluent Spanish-speaking graduate students

Involved in Clark’s Central Mexico Climate Change Project through these programs; M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, M.S. in Geographic Information Science, M.A. in International Development, M.A. in Community Development and Planning, MFA in Interactive Media, Ph.D. in Geography.

Clark Alumni Scholarships

Clark undergraduate and graduate alumni admitted to a graduate degree program receive 50% tuition scholarships for SOM and IDCE on-campus programs and 30% tuition scholarships for School of Professional Studies programs.

Dean’s Graduate Scholarships

Highly competitive awards that are offered to outstanding graduate students who have been admitted to a master’s or doctoral degree program at Clark University.

Fee information

  • Master's programs tuition

    From $15,525 to $62,700 per year

  • PhD programs tuition

    $10,952 per year

Please note: Although PhD programs have tuition listed, for the most part, students will receive a full scholarship and stipend depending on their positions

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Visa requirements for Clark University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.