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    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Physics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Urbana, USMSIn-person1 year
    STEM-OPT
    $60,666.00
    Tuition
    over 12mo
    32
    Credits
    $90.00
    App fee

    Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a 32-credit, 1-year, in-person MS program based in Urbana, US. Tuition is $60,666 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Two-semester non-thesis program requiring 32 hours of coursework including at least 16 hours of physics courses with 8 at the 500-level. Designed for students seeking to expand undergraduate training in physics or related fields for professional development or further education.

    Focus: coursework
    US News #9 in Physics

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2026
    Jun 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min Both the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Tests (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) and the GRE Physics Subject Test are optional this year.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min Demonstrate proficiency in English language by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exams (no specific minimum score; refer to Graduate College requirements)
    IELTS
    required
    Min Demonstrate proficiency in English language by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exams (no specific minimum score; refer to Graduate College requirements)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months OPT (US)

    $19,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    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 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $60,666 across 32 required credits.
    Is Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign online or in-person?
    Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is offered in-person.
    How long does Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign take to complete?
    Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is structured around 1 year and 32 credits.
    What GPA is required for Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 (A=4.0), for last two years of undergraduate study
    Is Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Physics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.