Graduate Programs - Graduate FAQ
What's so great about graduate study in Physics at the University of Maine?
Top Ten, or Twelve, Reasons to seek a Graduate Degree in Physics or Astrophysics at the University of Maine
Is there still financial support available for Fall 2008?
The Department is currently in the process of admitting students for Fall 2008. Applications are still under consideration. Please contact Professor James McClymer, if you have any questions.
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I'm an undergraduate and interested in attending your graduate program. May I apply?
You must hold a bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, or the equivalent. There is no fixed grade point average; however, you must present evidence of a strong undergraduate record.
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What is the application procedure?
Submit the following materials directly to the Graduate School as soon as possible for January admission, and by January 15th for Fall admission:
- Two copies of the Application for Admission to the Graduate School which you can download from On-line Application Information and Material (PDF). You may instead submit the on-line form of the application (click here for online form).
- Two official transcripts from each institution you have attended, showing the grades you earned in all of your previous academic work (graduate and undergraduate), and showing the degree(s) you have earned.
- Three letters of recommendation (on the Graduate School's recommendation forms) from persons in a position to judge your preparation for and ability to undertake graduate study (e.g. previous instructors or co-workers). Letters should be forwarded directly by the writer to the Graduate School, and must be in duplicate.
- A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 US. If you have difficulty paying the fee, you may request that it be waived when you submit your application.
- Official report of scores you achieved on the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude test and, Physics Subject test.
- Official report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if you are an international applicant whose native language is not English. The Graduate School requires a score of at least 550 on TOEFL, and the department requires a score of at least 600 (250 on the computer version) on the TOEFL for Teaching Assistants.
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I'm enrolled in a graduate program at another institution. What do I need to know to transfer?
You must be in good standing at that institution to be eligible for admission to the University of Maine.
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I'm enrolled at an institution outside the United States. May I still apply?
Yes, we welcome your application. Since the application process is often lengthy, we urge you to begin preparing your application early.
A brochure entitled "Information for Prospective International Graduate Students" gives detailed information to foreign students and is available from the Graduate School Office.
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How can I pay for my schooling?
We expect to support all students in our graduate program with either Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. No separate application is needed to be considered for these Assistantships.
Teaching Assistantships currently pay $18,500 per calendar year. Research Assistantships may pay more and includes tuition waiver and half of premium for student health insurance.
Tuition is waived for students with Teaching or Research Assistantships.
Additional miscellaneous fees included on your bill (including Comprehensive Fee, Student Activity Fee, Communications Fee and Recreational Fee) are approximately $270.00, and are paid by the student. Pass fees for the
Latti Fitness Center of $35.00 per semester are optional, and are also paid by the student.
The cost of a one-bedroom apartment off-campus is typically $350-$450/month plus utilities.
The average cost of attendance for Graduate Students at the University of Maine (academic year 2007-2008).
| Expense |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
NEBHE |
| Tuition & Misc. Fees |
$6,844 |
$17,896 |
$9,832 |
| Books |
$600 |
$600 |
$600, |
| Room & Board |
$7,484 |
$7,484 |
$7,484 |
| Travel & Misc. |
$4,600 |
$4,600 |
$4,600 |
| |
$19,528* |
$30,580* |
$22,516* |
| *based on 9 credit hours per semester |
Tuition & Fees: Budget amounts are based on 18 credit hours for graduate students ($332/credit hour for Maine residents, $498 for New England Regional (NEHBE) and Canadian students, and $946 for non-Maine residents). Tuition charges billed will be based on actual enrollment.
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What research opportunities are available to me in your department?
Our faculty members and graduate students are actively involved in research and development in over 60 fields of study, from amorphous magnetism to plasma physics to spectroscopy of galaxies in studies of large-scale structures in the universe.
Throughout our web site you will be able to find information about the following research oriented topics:
• Centers of research
• Faculty research interests
• Cooperative (multidisciplinary) research projects
• Educational public services
• Public service facilities
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I'm interested in studying with a particular faculty member. How can I find out more about his/her activities?
In our People section, you will find a comprehensive directory of our faculty members,
staff members, graduate and undergraduate students. Biographical information may
include: • Area of study
• Contact methods
• Research areas
• Publications and presentations
• Personal homepage
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What other resources are available to me related to general information?
The University of Maine's Visitor's Center can arrange for personal tours of the campus, as well as provide many information sources, or if you are interested in seeing more of the area, you can Visit Maine.
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The Clery Act
Please take note: A recent change in a federal law, The Clery Act, requires universities to disclose to prospective students our three-year statistics regarding campus crime, including public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. This report includes our policies for campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by accessing the following Web site, http://www.umaine.edu/security , or by contacting the Director of Public Safety, University of Maine, 375 College Ave., Orono, ME 04473,
(207)581-4053.
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