Note: The MS-PSD program is not currently accepting applications.

Application Information

All application materials must be received to ensure full consideration for admission to the following autumn class; students are only admitted for the autumn quarter.  Interviews are not required, but prospective students are encouraged to visit campus.

All supporting materials are submitted electronically. These include:

  • A personal statement of academic and career objectives.
  • One transcript from each educational institution beyond high school.  Students seeking admission to the program normally must have a baccalaureate degree in a traditional discipline of the physical sciences.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.  The general exam is optional.  A GRE Subject Test in an area of physical sciences is encouraged but not required.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores if required (see below).
  • $90 Application fee (waived for University of Chicago alumni: see fee waivers section in the application for other instances).

The University of Chicago GRE & TOEFL institution code is 1832.

English Language Requirements

Applicants who do not meet the waiver criteria here must submit proof of English language proficiency. Only the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic tests are accepted as proof of proficiency. The program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90 overall, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall.

For the TOEFL, our institution code is 1832 and the department code is 72.

Please visit the UChicagoGRAD website for more about proof of English language proficiency.