Skip to main content

Prospective Graduate Students

Student working in Matt Graham's lab

Graduate students in physics at Oregon State University all work toward a Ph.D. degree in close collaboration with a supportive research faculty. Our energetic faculty lead investigations over a wide range of research areas in physics and astronomy.

Apply to physics

Applications and letters of reference are due on January 15th. Late applications received before January 30 will be given full consideration, but late applications are less likely to be nominated for special fellowship/scholarship funding.

Life at Oregon State

Oregon State University is located in Corvallis in the heart of the Willamette Valley and is the westernmost city in the contiguous 48 states. The city is mid-sized with a population of about 110K (Corvallis-Albany). The city is among the most well-educated in the United States. The climate is mild, with warm, dry summers. To the west, the Pacific coast of Oregon can be reached in under an hour. The Cascade mountains are less than two hours to the east, offering hiking, world-class skiing and other mountain activities.

Financial support

Entering students are offered full financial support as graduate teaching assistants or research assistants. The stipends and health insurance (insurance for both individuals and families) compare favorably to other institutions. Dollar amounts are especially strong when compared to the cost of living in Corvallis. For example, the rent index is approximately 26 (percentage of New York City prices).

Join us for Open House Weekend

An open house for invited prospective graduate students is scheduled every March. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the department, and meet other prospective grads before making a final decision. The department will pay for travel and accommodation for applicants who have been offered admission to the program. When possible, admitted international students visitors will be supported up to prevailing domestic travel rates. We are easily reached from major airports with hourly shuttle service from PDX.

You are welcome to contact us at gradinfo@physics.oregonstate.edu for more information.

Need help?

If you have further questions that are not answered on our website, please contact us.

Graduate Coordinator

  • Ms. Kelly Carter
  • 541-737-1674

Graduate Advisor

Emails sent directly to professors or graduate committee members may not be answered due to the large volume of inquiries.