Students who wish to enter the M.S. or the Ph.D. programs in Physics must have an undergraduate degree in physics or its equivalent.  Ideally, their undergraduate curriculum should have included courses in statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and classical mechanics. 

The Optical Science and Engineering Ph.D. program is multidisciplinary, and assumes an undergraduate background involving optics, optical engineering, and/or optoelectronics. There is also an M.S. program in Optical Science and Engineering (new fall 2002), with three program options.

Ultimate decisions regarding admission offers and financial aid (in the form of Teaching/Research Assistantships) are made by the department's Graduate Selection Committees.  Each prospective student should clearly identify his/her area of research interest in the personal statement (aka: letter of intent).  The Selection Committee carefully considers each candidate's interests and experience, undergraduate GPA (especially in the major), letters of recommendation, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

Admission criteria, application forms, and instructions  U.S. Students / International Students

Financial Aid  Teaching/Research/Graduate assistantships include a stipend of at least $12,500 for a work load of 18-20 hours per week during the academic year that encompasses the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters. In addition, students receive a tuition scholarship as well as health insurance coverage. Teaching assistantships are generally awarded for two years, with the possibility of extension dependent upon special circumstances.  Summer research assistant positions are typically available, and the stipends usually range from $1,200-3,300 per month. Compensation for assistantships is taxable. Apply here.

Cost of Study  A complete and current table of resident and non-resident tuition rates and fees is located at <http://www.unm.edu/~unmreg/falltuit.htm>.

Living and Housing Expenses  There are a number of options to choose from: dormitories with meal plans, University apartments for married students, and privately-owned apartments and houses that are available to rent. Our graduate students indicate that they budget anywhere from $500 to $800 per month to cover living expenses.

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