How to Apply

Attention Prospective Graduate Students

The College of Arts and Sciences is hosting an Open House for students considering graduate studies on October 27, 2012 from  10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in Maginnes Hall. Come and speak with a Physics and Astronomy graduate-program representative. Meet faculty and current graduate students, see our beautiful campus, and receive your application fee waiver. Click Here for Details.

Application Procedures

Students with a bachelor's degree in physics from an established college or university normally are prepared to begin graduate studies in physics at Lehigh and are encouraged to apply. Students with degrees in related areas will also be considered; their graduate programs will be designed to make up for possible deficiencies in physics or mathematics preparation. This page provides information for those who wish to complete the application process.

Application Deadline:
Although there is no strict application deadline, the review of graduate applications for fall admission begins on January 15th of each year.

Minimum admissions standards:
In order to be considered for admission as a regular graduate student, Lehigh University requires that the applicant must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

• have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75;
• have an average of at least 3.00 for the last two semesters of undergraduate study;
• have scores at or above the 75th percentile on the GRE or other recognized test;
• have a graduate GPA of at least 3.00 on a minimum of twelve hours of graduate work at other institutions; or
• have successfully completed the probationary conditions as an associate student.

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language). If you have done undergraduate or graduate studies in the United States for at least two years, you are not required to take the TOEFL.  The minimum scores required on the iBT TOEFL for admittance into the College of Arts & Sciences are Writing = 20; Speaking = 20; Reading = 20; Listening = 15; with a composite score of 79.  These are the minimum scores that students should not fall below in order to be admitted to the College without some remedial language assistance.

For any student with one or more individual skill section scores below these targets, but with a composite score of 79 or above, additional required ESL coursework must be taken during the initial academic year concurrent with their regular department coursework.  Any student with one or more skill section scores below these targets, and a composite score below 79, will be required to attend the StepUp Intensive English Program at Lehigh.  The ESL Department must be consulted regarding this requirement.

Items required to complete an application:

• An application form must be submitted (see below).
• Official transcripts must be submitted from each university attended, listing the type of degree and the date it was awarded. Foreign transcripts must include notarized English translations and conversion of grades to the American 4.0 grading scale.
• Two letters of recommendation are required.
• The General GRE Test is required for all applicants. The Physics GRE Subject Test is not required for admission, but applicants are encouraged to take it. The TOEFL score is required for international applicants.
• A $75 non-refundable application fee should accompany the formal application.
• International applicants are required to provide proof of financial support in the form of a financial guarantee or letter of support. If you are awarded financial aid, such as a teaching assistantship or a fellowship, this award may provide the needed financial guarantee.

How to submit the application form:

The application form can be submitted on line, or you can print the application form, fill it out and mail it in. Click on the link below to go to the College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Programs website to submit your application.
Graduate Application

Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid