The program for early admission of University of Rochester students into the PhD program is part of the Department's DOEd--GAANN (Graduate Assistanships in Areas of National Need) effort to increase the number of domestic PhD students (including resident aliens) in the fields of physics and astronomy. The program is also open to non-US residents, who can qualify, instead, through Marshak Fellowships and regular Teaching and Research Assistanships in the Department. Early Admission students are also eligible for UR fellowships such as Sproull, Provost and University Fellowships. It is expected that students who participate in this program will complete their PhDs in about one year less time than usual.

Students who wish to be considered for early admission to the graduate program should submit their application in the early spring of their junior year (preferably by the February 1 deadline for regular applications). Students applying for early admission will have the requirement of supplying GRE scores waived.

The program includes the following:

1. An REU (Research Experience for Undergraduate) position in the summer between the junior and senior years (to get an early start on a research project).

2. A Teaching-Internship position in the senior year. This satisfies the Department's and NY State's requirement of teaching experience for the PhD degree.

3. During the senior year, students take specially selected graduate courses that can satisfy both course-credit requirements for the BS, and count towards the course for the PhD.

4. Upon entering graduate school, students in the program will be awarded a GAANN/DOEd (or Marshak) fellowship. In addition, during the third and fourth years of graduate school, students in this program will receive a supplemental Early Admission Fellowship of $3,000/year.

5. With the teaching requirement satisfied in the senior year, students in the program can start their PhD research as research assistants in the first year of graduate school, while completing their graduate courses. It is expected that students in this program will pass their preliminary exam and receive an MA degree after one year of graduate study.

Advantages for UR undergraduates who pursue MA/PhD under the Early Admissions Program

1. Early completion of all graduate course requirements.

2. Early start on research for the PhD.

3.Ability to complete, and publish on, research initiated in undergraduate years

4. Early completion of PhD degree. Studies have shown a strong correlation between early completion of the PhD degree and a successful subsequent career.

5. Previous experience with the Department and advisor makes for an easier transition between undergraduate and graduate school through continuous mentoring and advising.

6. Financial benefit of a GAANN/DOEd (or Marshak) fellowship, and supplemental fellowship for Early Admissions.

In summary, whether to continue graduate school at Rochester, or to go elsewhere, depends on circumstances and the individual research interests of each student. Students are encouraged to discuss their options with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and with the Graduate Student Advisor.


Go to Special Programs page.

Go to Undergraduate Programs page.