Application and Admission — Graduate Programs

Reviewers of graduate applications typically look for evidence that:

1. The student will succeed in graduate courses and pass the qualifying exams, and
2. The student has an interest in, and capability for, excelling in independent research.

The application reviewers base their decision on information provided by the applicant, which includes undergraduate and graduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of interest, and standardized test scores (if applicable). In many cases we will also request an online interview with an applicant.

Once a pool of applicants who meet these criteria are selected, the admissions committee considers financial aid requests. For students requesting a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA), we look for evidence of interest in teaching and evidence that the student can effectively communicate with undergraduates. (See also FAQ 1.2.) If a student requests a graduate research assistantship (GRA), and a position is available, the professor offering the assistantship may also interview the student. Most offers of financial aid are in the form of GTAs.

Most first-year students who need financial support request a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) position. These are offered on a competitive basis subject to departmental needs. GTA positions typically involve teaching undergraduate laboratory classes and include a 9-month stipend, a 6-credit/semester tuition waiver (i.e., two classes/semester), and health benefits. Some students are supported as Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) in their first year. Faculty looking to hire first-year GRAs review the applications and will contact the student if they think the student is a good match for their research project. Finally, some students are supported on a limited number of scholarships that are offered to the most qualified applicants.

Note that for international students, the English proficiency requirements for GTA positions are higher than that required for enrollment to the program. GTA positions require such students to pass the Classroom English Language and Teaching Demonstration (CELTD). Click here for further information.

The CELTD test is taken after an offer of admission is given and the student accepts. GTA offers are only given to international students if application review committee determines that they have a high likelihood of passing the CELTD test.

The nominal qualifications for applying to the Physics PhD program are stated in the catalog:

"Those holding a baccalaureate degree in physics, astronomy, or engineering from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent who earned a GPA of 3.00 (out of 4.00) or higher are invited to apply for admission."

"To apply for this program, prospective students should submit the George Mason University Admissions Application and its required supplemental documentation, and three letters of recommendation, preferably from former professors.

The GRE-GEN is optional and the GRE subject test in physics is not required.

A degree-seeking graduate applicant with a baccalaureate degree who has not met all admission requirements may be offered provisional admission if sufficient evidence is presented to suggest that the applicant has the ability to pursue graduate work."