The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southern California welcomes applicants to apply to our Physics PhD program or our Physical Biology PhD program. Applications to these programs:

  1. Have no application fee
  2. Do not require subject or general GRE
  3. Potentially offer early admission.

DO NOT complete the application with the Office of Graduate and International Admissions (through gradadm.usc.edu) until you are instructed to do so.

DO apply for the Physics PhD program here and/or the Physical Biology PhD program here.

Have more questions? Please read our Graduate Admissions FAQs!

  • Application opens: October 5th, apply here
    Application deadline: The deadline for submission of applications is December 31st, 2023. All applications must be totally completed by this date, including letters of recommendation and transcripts

    You will need to prepare the following:

    1. Transcripts: Upload a PDF of your transcripts from all attended universities. You will not mail your official transcripts to USC until you are accepted to the program.
    2. Research Experience and Interests (2 page maximum): In an uploaded PDF, describe your prior research experience and future research interests. Your prior research experience should include the overall goal of your work, your specific role, and any major accomplishments (including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations). Your future research interests should include the type of research you are interested in pursuing during graduate school, why you are interested in this research, and potential research advisors that may match their interests. Candidates are highly encouraged to contact professors in the department to discuss future fit.
    3. Personal Statement (2 pages maximum): In an uploaded PDF, provide a personal statement describing your reasons for attending graduate school, why you think your background qualifies you for pursuing graduate studies, and your career goals. You can also include here any additional information that you may want to convey to the admissions committee.
    4. Recommender Information: You must have recommenders send their letters of recommendation through the system used.
    5. International Students Only: TOEFL or IELTS Score Report: If your undergraduate degree is from a non-English speaking country, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS Score. You do not need to mail your official TOEFL or IELTS scores to USC until you are accepted to the program. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirement.
    6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum): Upload a current resume/CV to the application.
    7. Supplementary Documents (Optional): In PDF format, upload peer-reviewed papers, pre-prints, or other documents that may be helpful in evaluating your application.

    If you have any questions, please contact the co-chairs of the Graduate Admissions Committee, Prof. Rosa di Felice (difelice@usc.edu) or Prof. Peter Chung (pjchung@usc.edu) for more information.

  • Application opens: October 5th, apply here
    Application deadline: The deadline for submission of applications is December 31st, 2023. All applications must be totally completed by this date, including letters of recommendation and transcripts.

    The Physical Biology PhD program at the University of Southern California welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, mathematics, and engineering. The program enables students to develop expertise in core aspects of biophysics through flexible, multidisciplinary coursework and an accelerated transition into research. Apply today!

    You will need to prepare the following:

    1. Transcripts: Upload a PDF of your transcripts from all attended universities. You will not mail your official transcripts to USC until you are accepted to the program.
    2. Research Experience and Interests (2 page maximum): In an uploaded PDF, describe your prior research experience and future research interests. Your prior research experience should include the overall goal of your work, your specific role, and any major accomplishments (including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations). Your future research interests should include the type of research you are interested in pursuing during graduate school, why you are interested in this research, and potential research advisors that may match their interests. Candidates are highly encouraged to contact professors in the department to discuss future fit.
    3. Personal Statement (2 pages maximum): In an uploaded PDF, provide a personal statement describing your reasons for attending graduate school, why you think your background qualifies you for pursuing graduate studies, and your career goals. You can also include here any additional information that you may want to convey to the admissions committee.
    4. Recommender Information: You must have recommenders send their letters of recommendation through the system used.
    5. International Students Only: TOEFL or IELTS Score Report: If your undergraduate degree is from a non-English speaking country, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS Score. You do not need to mail your official TOEFL or IELTS scores to USC until you are accepted to the program. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirement.
    6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum): Upload a current resume/CV to the application.
    7. Supplementary Documents (Optional): In PDF format, upload peer-reviewed papers, pre-prints, or other documents that may be helpful in evaluating your application.

    If you have any questions please contact the Director of the Physical Biology program, Prof. James Boedicker (boedicke@usc.edu), for more information.