About the course

The graduate physics program is designed to give students an adequate background in the concepts and techniques of theoretical and experimental physics in preparation for careers at the most advanced level in research or teaching. The program is designed for the student who wants to become a professional physicist. It has two main components: Mastery of at least a core of advanced general physics. This component is intended to provide the students with the foundational knowledge enabling them to pursue a broad range of employment options upon graduation, including teaching physics at a four-year college level or higher, and/or conducting research in areas different than that of the thesis. Original research in a specific area of physics. The research component provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of a particular area of active physics research, along with significant research experience in that area culminating in production of a thesis based on original scientific findings.

　　The Standard Model of strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions is the crowning achievement of twentieth century physics. However, despite its many spectacular successes, the Standard Model is inconsistent at high energies and should be superseded by a new, more fundamental theory at the teraelectron-volt (TeV) energy scale. Many theoretical ideas about the nature of the physics at the TeV scale have been proposed, examples include: supersymmetry, extra dimensions of space and new strong interactions. Members of the Cornell theory group are active in investigating these ideas. While so far this work has been purely theoretical, the experimental investigation of the TeV scale began in late 2009, when the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland began operations. Theoretical interpretation of the LHC data is expected to be a major focus of research in the next few years. In this work, Cornell theorists will benefit from traditionally connections with the LEPP experimental group, which is participating in the CMS experiment at the LHC. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 6 Semester(s)Fees: US$74,400

Intake	Location
Fall (August), 2024	Ithaca
Fall (August), 2025	Ithaca

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for Cornell University

Most entering students have completed an undergraduate program in physics, including such courses as analytical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics and wave motion, electronics, and atomic physics, some advanced undergraduate laboratory work in physics is also expected. Knowledge of linear algebra, differential equations, and vector calculus is essential. Additional study in mathematics is desirable. The quality of undergraduate work and promise for graduate work are weighted more heavily than the extent of undergraduate study in physics and related subjects. Some entering students enroll in one or more undergraduate courses to make up deficiencies.

　　Minimum IBT TOEFL scores required for consideration are: OVERALL 78

　　Writing: 20

　　Listening: 15

　　Reading: 20

　　Speaking: 23

　　The Graduate School requires an overall band score of a 7.0 or higher on the IELTS.The Physics Department requires a minimum speaking subscore of 7.0.

　　GRE general test

　　The GRE general test and the GRE Physics subject test are not required for the 2021 admissions cycle.

　　

English language requirements

　　7.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 78.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Cornell University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　20th / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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