M.S. in Applied Physics

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fees: Waiver

Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 80% or above.

English Language Proficiency

• IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 84 is often required.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 59 is often required.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 115 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) recognizes the importance of providing financial support to international students pursuing higher education in the United States. 

International Student Scholarships: WPI provides a limited number of scholarships specifically designated for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application requirements. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities offered by their academic departments, schools, and external organizations.

Need-Based Financial Aid: While WPI's scholarship programs primarily focus on merit-based awards, the university also considers financial need as a factor in determining eligibility for aid. International students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for need-based financial aid, which could include grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. The Office of Financial Aid assists students in navigating the financial aid application process and exploring available resources.

External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities and governmental sponsorships offered by their home countries, international organizations, and private foundations. These scholarships may be available for specific fields of study, academic merit, or financial need. WPI provides guidance and support to students seeking external funding sources and assists them in applying for scholarships outside the university.

Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students at WPI may have the opportunity to obtain research or teaching assistantships, which provide financial support in the form of stipends, tuition waivers, or both. These assistantship positions allow students to gain valuable research experience or assist faculty members in teaching courses while earning financial assistance to support their graduate studies.

Graduates of Worcester Polytechnic Institute's M.S. in Applied Physics program possess a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental physics, as well as practical skills that qualify them for a variety of exciting career paths across industries.

Research Scientist: Many graduates pursue careers as research scientists in academic institutions, national laboratories, and research organizations. They conduct fundamental and applied research in areas such as condensed matter physics, optics, biophysics, quantum mechanics, and materials science, contributing to advancements in scientific knowledge and technological innovation.

Engineer: With their strong analytical and problem-solving skills, graduates find opportunities as engineers in industries such as aerospace, defense, electronics, photonics, and renewable energy. They apply their physics expertise to design, develop, and optimize systems and devices, ranging from semiconductor components to optical sensors to renewable energy technologies.

Data Scientist/Analyst: The analytical and computational skills acquired during the program make graduates well-suited for careers in data science and analytics. They work in industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and e-commerce, analyzing complex datasets, developing mathematical models, and extracting actionable insights to drive business decisions and innovation.

Optical Engineer/Photonics Specialist: Graduates specializing in optics and photonics pursue careers as optical engineers, photonics specialists, or laser scientists. They design and optimize optical systems, components, and devices for applications in telecommunications, medical imaging, manufacturing, and defense, leveraging their knowledge of light-matter interactions and optical phenomena.

Biophysicist/Biomedical Scientist: Graduates interested in the intersection of physics and biology can pursue careers as biophysicists or biomedical scientists. They apply principles of physics to study biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, contributing to advancements in areas such as medical imaging, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biophysics research.

Entrepreneur/Innovator: Some graduates choose to leverage their physics expertise to launch their own startups or pursue entrepreneurial ventures. They develop innovative technologies, products, and solutions to address unmet needs in diverse industries, ranging from renewable energy to medical devices to advanced materials, driving economic growth and societal impact.

Educator/Teacher: Passionate graduates may pursue careers in education, teaching physics at the high school or college level. They inspire and mentor the next generation of physicists, instilling a love for science and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students through engaging lectures, laboratory experiments, and research projects.