MS in Physics in USA: Top Universities, Deadlines, Fees, Scholarships, Placements & FAQs
MS in Physics in USAThe Master of Science (MS) in Physics in USA is a 2 year full time postgraduate program. The MS course in the USA focuses on advanced theoretical and practical training in areas including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and condensed matter. The candidates willing to take admission in MS in Physics in USA are required to have a four year bachelor’s degree in physics or related field.
The GRE is optional for some universities but English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE are compulsory. The tuition fees for MS in Physics in USA range from $16,800 to $63,800 ( ₹14,65,000- ₹55,63,600) annually. The admission to this course usually occurs during August/September. Top universities offering MS in Physics in USA include Stanford, MIT, Caltech, Harvard and UC Berkeley.
Many graduates often get into data science, research, education or technical industries with an average salary package of $70000-$100000(₹40,60,300-₹ 76,13,100). Top recruiters include IBM, Intel, Lockheed, NASA and academic institutions.
MS in Physics in USA Details/Highlights
Category | Details |
Course Name | Masters of science(MS) in Physics |
Course Level | Post-Graduate Level |
Course Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s in Physics or related fields with 70-80%: English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS |
Application mode | Online |
Required examinations | GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS |
Course Fee | $16,800 to $63,800 / ₹14,65,000- ₹55,63,600 |
Average salary | $70000-$ 100000/ ₹40,60,300-₹76,13,100 |
Top universities |
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Top recruiters |
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MS in Physics in USA - Important Dates and Events
MS in Physics in USA follows important dates of major events like application openings, entrance exams, and admission deadlines. The important dates for this course are mentioned in the table below:
GRE Exam Dates
The GRE dates are mentioned in the table below:
City | Exam Dates (Jul–Oct 2025) |
Hyderabad | Multiple slots from July to October |
Delhi NCR | Widely available on weekdays from July to October |
Mumbai | Regular dates are mid-July to October |
Bangalore | Available most weekdays during July–October |
Chennai | Multiple days of testing per month |
GMAT Exam
The exam dates of the GMAT exam are mentioned below:
- New Delhi and NCR: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Bengaluru: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Chennai: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Cochin: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Mumbai: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Kolkata: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Jaipur: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Chandigarh: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Pune: Exam dates available throughout the year
- Nagpur: Exam dates available throughout the year
IELTS Exam Dates
Below are some of the available dates for the IELTS exam:
- July 2025: All dates available
- August 2025: All dates available
- September 2025: All dates available
- October 2025: All dates available
- November 2025: All dates available
- December 2025: All dates available
Visa for MS in Physics in USA
To study MS in Physics in USA, students need an F-1 visa, requiring I-20, DS-160 form, SEVIS fee and visa interview with financial proof. See the table below for key visa steps:
Category | Details |
Visa Type | F-1 Student Visa |
Purpose | To study full-time in a U.S. - approved college/university |
Work Options While Studying |
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STEM Extension | Physics is subordinated to STEM. A 24-month extension of the OPT after the first 12 calendar months is allowed, a total of 36 calendar months of employment. |
Pathway to H1-B Visa |
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Post-Study Work Visa Process |
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Scholarship for MS in Physics in USA
Scholarships help reduce tuition and living costs for the students who want to pursue MS in Physics in USA. The table below shows some of the scholarships with their eligibility criteria:
Scholarship | Eligibility | Details |
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships | One must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent to apply to certain programs in fields requiring a Master's degree lasting 1-2 years. | Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses |
Inlaks Scholarships | Indian origin, born after the date 01.01.1994, with a total of 70% and 2 LORs. | Provides up to $100,000 |
Fulbright- Nehru Master's Fellowships | Candidates must have at least 55% in a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience. | It provides a cover for full tuition fees, living costs, economy class airfare, and health insurance. |
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarships | Open to graduates of Indian origin not more than 30 years old. | It offers loans with interest if granted a scholarship up to ₹20,00,000 |
Why Choose a MS in Physics in USA?
The USA is a top choice for international education, with over 2,68,000+ students migrating to the USA from India. It offers top universities, advanced research, and various STEM opportunities. Refer below for some of the key reasons to choose MS in Physics in USA:
1. Education Hub: The USA has several top institutions like MIT, Caltech, and Stanford, which are known for their advanced research and learning in physics.
2. STEM Immigration Policies: International students can work for up to 3 years post graduation through OPT and secure H-1B sponsorships for long-term employment.
3. Academic Specialisations: MS programs offer specialisations like Quantum Mechanics, Astrophysics and Thermodynamics with access to advanced laboratories.
MS in Physics in USA Fees
The MS in Physics in USA fees vary by university ranging from $16,700- $60,000 per year( ₹14,56,300-52,32,200). The Below table highlights the MS in Physics in USA fees:
Category | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
Tuition Fees | $16,751 - $63,798 | ₹1460700-₹5563400 |
Accommodation | $9,800 - $11,100 | ₹854600-₹968000 |
Food | $3,000 - $7,200 | ₹261600-₹627900 |
Health Insurance | $6700 | ₹584300 |
Transportation | $300 - $700 | ₹26200-₹61000 |
Utilities | $1,200 - $1,800 | ₹104600-₹157000 |
Personal Expenses | $900 | ₹78500 |
University-wise Fees
The fee structure according to university is given in the table below:
University | Annual Fee (USD) | Fees for Indian Students (INR) |
University of Florida | $30,134 | ₹2617700 |
University of California - Los Angeles | $31,949 | ₹2775400 |
George Washington University | $62,250 | ₹5407500 |
University of Texas at Austin | $19,320 | ₹1678300 |
Stanford University | $58,746 | ₹5103100 |
Boston University | $63,798 | ₹5541900 |
Arizona State University | $34,290 | ₹2978700 |
The University of Illinois at Chicago | $34,894 | ₹3031200 |
University of Colorado Boulder | $34,728 | ₹3016800 |
Illinois Institute of Technology | $ 49,643 | ₹4312400 |
Northeastern University | $ 48,000 | ₹4169700 |
Columbia University | $33,932 | ₹2947600 |
MS in Physics in USA Eligibility Criteria
MS in Physics in USA eligibility depends on academic background, test scores and English proficiency. The requirements may vary for Indian, international and reserved category candidates. Refer to the table below for the eligibility criteria:
Criteria | Details |
Academic Qualification | 3 or 4-year Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, or Natural Sciences with Math/Calculus as core component. |
Minimum Marks/GPA | 70% to 80% or GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, preferably with First Class. |
Credit Units | Minimum 30 credit units in the undergraduate period. |
GRE Requirement | 70-300; may be waived, depending on the university. |
English Requirement | For non-native speakers only: TOEFL 100-110, IELTS 7.0-8.0, PTE 70-75, Duolingo 130-135. |
Transcripts | Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions attended. |
Letters of Recommendation | 2-3 letters: Professors, instructors, or employers may write these. |
Work/Research Experience | Preferred but not mandatory; strengthens application. |
Application Fee | Fee Non-refundable, varies with institution ($50-$120). |
MS in Physics in USA Application Process
The application process for MS in Physics in USA involves various steps including shortlisting universities, meeting academic and language requirements, submitting test scores, preparing documents and applying before deadlines. Below is the step wise application process:
1. Shortlist Universities
Identify universities that offer MS in Physics on subjects like quantum mechanics, or astrophysics by researching faculty, research facilities tuition, and deadlines.
2. Check Eligibility and Entrance Requirement
Most programs require a four-year Bachelor degree in Physics or equivalent. Some programs may additionally require GRE scores and all universities require English language proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
3. Prepare Documents Required in Application Process
Ensure a complete set of required application documents: transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Reference (LORs), resume/CV, standardized test scores (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS), and any research papers or certificates.
4. Take the Required Tests
Register for GRE and/or IELTS/TOEFL tests (as required) and prepare. The timing of tests is important and it is better to take the tests between 6 and 12 months before applications to universities.
5. Submit Online Applications
Make sure to check application deadlines carefully. Fill out all required sections of the application, pay the application fee (which is typically $50 - $100 per application), and double check that all submitted documents are accurate.
Documents required for MS in Physics in USA
The documents required for MS in Physics in USA is mentioned below:
- Completed university application form
- Previous academic document
- GRE Score (if applicable)
- English Language Proficiency Test scorecard (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo etc.)
- 1 CV or Resume
- WES Evaluation
- 1 Statement of Purpose/2-3 Essays
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities (if any)
- Work Experience Letter (if any)
- University application fee (depending on the institute)
- Passport
Top Course Entrance MS in Physics in USA
Admission to MS in Physics program in USA requires entrance exams like GRE, GMAT or IELTS. Refer to the table below for details of entrance exams:
Exam Name | Details |
GRE | Widely accepted for MS/PhD; required for STEM & grad programs |
GMAT | Referred to MBA and business schools |
IELTS | Popular in the UK, Europe, and Canada also accepted in the Netherlands |
GMAT/GRE Preparation Tips
To prepare for GMAT or GRE the candidate needs to focus on solving quantitative,verbal, and analytical writing sections. Below are some of the preparation tips for GMAT/GRE:
1. Develop a Solid Foundation in both Quant and Verbal
Begin GMAT preparation by focusing on the fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data sufficiency. For the Verbal area, grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.
2. Take Full Length Practice Tests
Take full length practice tests under timed conditions to improve time management and develop stamina for a 3+ hour exam.
3. Learn Shortcuts and Strategies
Learn the strategies like process of elimination, plugging in numbers, and reading passage maps. Understanding the right strategy is just as important as content knowledge.
IELTS/TOEFL Preparation Tips
IELTS/TOEFL preparation involves building strong English language skills in reading, listening, and speaking. Below are some of the popular preparation tips:
1. Practice Listening and Speaking Every Day
Experience some English language movies, podcasts, or TED Talks to neutrino your listening abilities. Speaking practice with a study partner or feedback from a tutor can also help assess speaking performance.
2. Know the Structure of Each Section
Understand the exact format and timing of each section - Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Once the format of each section is well understood, practice each part individually before combining all sections.
3. Read and Write in Academic English
Reading academic journal articles can enhance comprehension and vocabulary.Writing a summary or review of each article is recommended to reinforce understanding.
MS in Physics in USA Syllabus
The MS in Physics syllabus in USA covers advanced theoretical concepts and experimental techniques for students. The course usually covers core physics subjects like astrophysics or quantum mechanics. Below is a detailed overview of the syllabus:
Core Module | Optional Module |
Classical Mechanics | Principles of Applied Mathematics |
Basic Mathematics | Nonlinear Dynamical Systems |
Electromagnetic Theory | Wave Transmission and Fiber Optics |
Statistical Mechanics | Random Signals and Noise |
Quantum Mechanics | Microwave Circuit Design |
Modern Optics | Ceramics and Composites |
Laser Physics | Digital Control Systems |
Physics of Fluids | Advanced Mechanics of Fluids |
Introduction to Plasma Physics | Molecular Biophysics |
Solid State Physics | Advanced Quantum Field Theory |
General Physics | Fusion Physics |
Calculus | |
Electricity and Magnetism | |
Analytical Mechanics | |
Thermal Physics |
MS in Physics in USA Cutoff
MS in Physics in USA program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale along with competitive scores in GRE General and in some cases the Physics Subject Test. Below are the average scores for MS in Physics program:
Average GRE Scores for MS in Physics:
University name | Average Verbal | Average Quantitative |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 167 | 167 |
Harvard | 167 | 167 |
Stanford | 167 | 167 |
University of California-Berkeley | 167 | 167 |
University of Pennsylvania | 162 | 164 |
Princeton | 168 | 170 |
Yale | 162 | 164 |
University of Southern California | 159 | 162 |
UCLA | 162 | 164 |
Cornell | 167 | 167 |
Columbia University | 162 | 164 |
Best Universities/Colleges for MS in Physics in USA
The USA has several prestigious universities for physics offering advanced research facilities, experienced faculty and global job opportunities. Below are some of the top universities for MS in Physics in USA:
University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
University of Florida | 212 |
University of California - Los Angeles | 46 |
George Washington University | 358 |
University of Texas at Austin | 68 |
Stanford University | 3 |
Boston University | 88 |
Northeastern University | 384 |
Columbia University | 38 |
MS in Physics in USA vs India(Comparison Table)
The table below outlines major factors to help students whether to choose MS in Physics in USA or MS in Physics in India:
Provisions | MS in Physics - USA | MS in Physics - India |
Course Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
Tuition Fees | $ 20,000-50,000/ year ( ₹ 16-42 lakh/ year) | ₹ 20,000 -2,00,000/year |
Cost of Living | $ 10,000-20,000/ year (₹ 8-16 lakh/year) | ₹1-2 lakh/year (based on city) |
Admission Process | Bachelor's in Physics, GRE( some schools, optional), TOEFL/ IELTS | Bachelor's in Physics, Entrance-exams (JAM,JEST, DUET, etc.) |
Top Ranges | MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Harvard, UIUC, UC Berkeley | IITs, IISc, JNU, DU, TIFR |
Language of Instruction | English | English |
Research Opportunities | Lot of funding, labs, access to global projects | Good for IITs/IISc, but constrained by funding, lab sizes. |
Job Prospects | High demand in research, tech, data /science, academia | Primarily academia, research labs, take PSU or go PhD route. |
Top Recruiters/Placement Companies
Top recruiters for MS in Physics graduates in USA include leading tech firms, government agencies, research institutions and multinational companies. Below are some of the top recruiters for the graduates in MS in Physics:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- Honeywell
- Northrop Grumman
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Boeing
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab)
- NASA
- Adobe
- IBM
MS in Physics in USA Salary Package
The graduates with an MS in Physics in USA earn competitive salaries based on their role, specialisations and industry. Refer to the table below for average annual salary packaged across popular career paths:
Professions | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Salary Equivalent (INR) |
Biochemist | $71,52 | ₹6213100 |
Astronomer | $98,932 | ₹8593900 |
Physicist | $71,524 | ₹6213100 |
Laboratory Manager | $76,892 | ₹6679400 |
Data Scientist | $100,530 | ₹8732800 |
Forensic Scientist | $57,089 | ₹4959200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. What is the eligibility criteria for MS in Physics in the USA?
Ans 1. The graduates need to have a Bachelor degree in Physics or a related field (3-year or 4-year) with 70-80% marks or 3.0 GPA), English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL).
Ques 2. Is the GRE mandatory for admission to MS in Physics in USA?
Ans 2. Many universities made GRE optional post-2020. However top universities may recommend/require GRE. Please check the graduate program website of the particular university to confirm the latest admission policy.
Ques 3. What is the average tuition fees for MS in Physics in the USA?
Ans 3. On average, tuition fees vary between 16K USD to 63K USD depending on the university. On average, public universities are cheaper than private ones, putting into consideration the living expense.
Ques 4. Is there a possibility of scholarships or assistantships?
Ans 4. Yes, there are multiple scholarships, Research Assistantship (RA), Teaching Assistantship (TA) or university fellowship which cover tuition and usually stipends.
Ques 5. What are the job prospects after completing the MS in Physics?
Ans 5. Graduates are working in research laboratories, technology companies, data science, aerospace, and in education.The pay range for graduates from MS in Physics programs is anywhere from $70,000 - $100,000+ a year.