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    Program Details

    Physics (PhD)

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    Basic Information

    Degree Information

    Degree Offered: PRE-DOCTOR
    CIP Code: 40.0801
    Campus: Seattle

    Admission Requirements and Contact Information


    December 15th deadline. We accept advanced PhD transfer students on a case by case basis for Winter (Nov. 1), Spring (Feb. 1), and Summer (May 15) admission.

    Contact Information

    Graduate Program Office, Department of Physics
    Program Website
    +1 206-685-1832
    physgrdadv@uw.edu

    Requirements and Prerequisites
    Applicants to the doctoral program are expected to have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, mathematical methods of physics, differential equations, and analysis. Further study in condensed matter, atomic, and particle and nuclear physics is desirable.
    GRE Requirements
    GRE Requirement: Optional/Not Required. Submitting GRE scores is not required. However, if official scores are submitted, they may be considered during the review process.
    More Information: The GRE Subject Test in Physics (P-GRE) is optional in our admissions process, and typically plays a relatively minor role. Our admissions system is holistic, as we use all available information to evaluate each application. If you have taken the P-GRE and feel that providing your score will help address specific gaps or otherwise materially strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit your scores. We emphasize that every application will be given full consideration, regardless of whether or not scores are submitted.
    Additional Instructions
    The GRE, General and Physics Subject test are optional and no longer a requirement.
    Non-Native English Speaker Information
    Graduate School requirement: English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency as outlined in Graduate School Policy 3.2.
    International Student Information
    Applicants who will need a visa should reference the International Applicant Information page. If admitted to the program, international students requesting an F-1 or J-1 visa will be required to provide financial ability documentation to the UW Graduate School.

    Departmental funding available for the first academic year of study.

    Program Deadlines


    Autumn 2026 - Domestic:
    Open Date: 10/01/2025
    Deadline Date: 12/15/2025

    Autumn 2026 - International:
    Open Date: 10/01/2025
    Deadline Date: 12/15/2025

    Autumn 2027 - Domestic:
    Open Date: 09/01/2026
    Deadline Date: 12/15/2026

    Autumn 2027 - International:
    Open Date: 09/01/2026
    Deadline Date: 12/15/2026

    Application Materials


    3 Recommendation(s)
    Resume
    Statement of Purpose