Skip to main content
    GradsMatch
    Back to Programs
    The Pennsylvania State University

    Physics (M.S.)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    University Park, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $91,148.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    19%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    30
    Credits
    $65.00
    App fee

    Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is a 30-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in University Park, US. Tuition is $91,148 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Graduate instruction and research in atomic and molecular physics, laser physics, condensed matter and materials physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, cosmology, and related areas. Offers thesis and non-thesis options.

    Focus: both
    US News #21 Physics
    Part-time option

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 15, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min not required; optional
    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL iBT total 80, preferably speaking 19 (older format); IELTS composite 6.5. Follows Graduate School minima: TOEFL iBT total >=4.5 speaking >=3.5 (post-2026). Required for international applicants from non-English countries.
    IELTS
    optional
    Min composite score of 6.5

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $20,700.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is $91,148 across 30 required credits.
    Is Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University online or in-person?
    Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is offered in-person.
    How long does Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University take to complete?
    Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 2.50 or higher junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) in physics and mathematics
    Is Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Physics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.