Cal State Fullerton - Department of Physics

Master of Science Degree in Physics

Admission Requirements

Please note that the following is provided for general information purposes only. Please consult the current University catalog or schedule of classes for the latest official graduate admission requirements. Also check the graduate advisors webpages for up-to-date information on graduate requirements.

Students applying for admission to the Master of Science degree program in Physics generally will be admitted either with conditionally classified graduate standing, or with unclassified graduate standing.

For admission as a conditionally classified graduate student, candidates must:

(2) hold an undergraduate degree in physics from an accredited university, and

(3) have achieved a 2.75 GPA (A=4.0), or the equivalent, in upper-division physics courses.

(4) submit a 500 word (maximum) statement of purpose explaining your interest in higher education in physics.

(5) submit scores from the physics GRE taken within the past year. Only students with a BS in physics, a high GPA AND good letters of recommendation will be excused the physics GRE test requirement.

All students MUST submit the 500 word statement of purpose, 3 letters of recommendation and have the correct GPA and physics background, NO EXCEPTIONS. Students missing the GRE score only may be admitted as unclassified graduate students provided that they meet the other general physics graduate admission requirements. It will be expected that the student fulfil the requirements within one year of application. Physics BS students with a very high GPA may request the GRE requirement be waived. (Fall 2007 onwards only).

Admission Questions and Answers

Q: Is the Graduate Record Examination required for admission?
A: Yes. We now require the physics GRE for conditional classification. It can only be waived for physics BS students who have a high GPA.

Q: My undergraduate grade point average was less than a B (3.0 on a scale of 4.0). Can I still get into the program?
A: Yes, provided your grade point average was not below 2.75 in your upper-division (junior and senior level) physics courses, and you meet the general graduate admission requirements of the University. However, once you are admitted you must maintain an overall B average to remain in the physics graduate program.

Q: My undergraduate degree is not in physics. Can I enroll in the program?
A: Yes, provided your undergraduate work included a substantial number of physics courses and at least 9 upper-division units in physics. In fact, we welcome applications from students who hold undergraduate degrees in related fields such as astronomy, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, etc. Generally, such applicants will be admitted as unclassified graduate students. Our graduate committee will work with you to determine which undergraduate physics courses you will need to take before advancing to conditionally classified standing.

Q: Do you admit part-time students?
A: Yes indeed. We welcome applications from part-time students. All required graduate courses will be offered in the late afternoon or evening for the convenience of part-time students. Part-time students may take up to five years to complete the M.S. degree requirements.

Q: Do you admit transfer students?
A: Yes, if you already are enrolled in a physics graduate program at another University (or another campus in the California State University system) and you are a student in good standing, you may apply for admission to our program. However, you must complete 21 units in residence at Cal State Fullerton in order to be eligible for the M.S. degree.

Q: Do you admit students from outside the United States?
A: Yes. Although Cal State Fullerton is a regional, comprehensive university with most of its students coming from its primary service area, we welcome applications from international students. More than 1,000 students from nearly 70 countries study at Cal State Fullerton.

Q: Are there special requirements for international students?
A: Yes. International applicants are required to obtain the appropriate student visa, and to show proficiency in the English language. Applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution where the language of instruction is not English, generally are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 550 or higher on paper exam or 213 for the computer test. International applicants are advised to apply early in order to allow sufficient time for the evaluation of credentials. Please contact us if you need additional information.

Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The deadlines for the Fall applications are March 1st of that year, the deadlines for the Spring applications are October 1st of the previous year. You should arrange to have all required material reach our admissions office or graduate advisor BEFORE the deadline date.

Q: How do I get an application for graduate admission?
A: All applications are now done online only. Click on the Physics-MS page below or the Admissions button in the left menu and then click Graduate. Please note that there is a non-refundable application fee, without your application will not be processed.

Contact Information:

Telephone: (714) 278-3366 (24 hours)
FAX: (714) 278-5810
e-mail:

Regular Mail:
Department of Physics
Cal State Fullerton
P.O. Box 6866 Fullerton, CA 92834-6866
U.S.A.

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