Graduate Assistantships

Graduate students seeking teaching and research assistantships can find more information on the Graduate School website. For more information on the physics degrees offered, please see the degrees page.

Program at a Glance

Physics Graduate Program Director:

Campus location:

  • Leifson Physics Building (074), Room 225
  • Phone: (775)-784-6792
  • Fax: (775)-784-1398

Graduate degrees offered:

Required test:

  • GRE

Recommended test:

  • Physics GRE

Fall Semester:

The application deadline is February 15. Decisions on admissions and assistantships will be made by April 1.

Spring Semester:

The application deadline is November 1. Decisions on admissions and assistantships will be made by December 1.

Applications that are completed after the deadlines will be considered as positions become available in the department.

Application for Admission to Graduate Standing

  1. Complete the online UNR Graduate School application for admission, found at the Graduate Admissions Page. Note that there are two types of application form: one for U.S. citizens and resident aliens, and another for international applicants. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for admission to the graduate physics program (it is recommended to take the physics subject exam). Order a report to be sent directly to the UNR Graduate School (institutional code 4844).

  2. Pay the application fee electronically ($60 for U.S. citizens and resident aliens; $95 for international applicants). Your application cannot be considered until the fee is paid. A limited number of fee waivers are available, please use the inquiry form to request more information.

  3. Order transcripts from every college or university attended. The issuing institution must send the transcripts directly to the UNR Graduate School. A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in all physics and mathematics courses, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate courses are required for admission to graduate standing in the Physics Department for the Ph.D. program. A GPA of 2.75 is required for the M.S. program.

  4. International Applicants: Acceptance with financial support requires demonstration of English proficiency, with either a score of 7.5 or higher on the speaking portion of the IELTS exam, a score of 24 or higher on the speaking portion of the TOEFL exam, a 120 or higher on the Duolingo exam, or a degree from an English-speaking institution.  The Educational Testing Service must send your score directly to the UNR Graduate School (institutional code 4844).

Graduate Assistantship FAQs

  • What benefits accompany a graduate assistantship?
    • All graduate assistants are entitled to a grant-in-aid, which pays the majority of per-credit fees. Graduate assistants are also considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes. Non-resident tuition is waived as long as the student holds the assistantship. For current tuition rates, refer to the Domestic Cost with a GA and International Cost with a GA tables. Graduate assistants in the Physics department are typically awarded “20-hour Assistantships” and take 6 credit hours per semester.
    • All graduate assistants are entitled to health insurance coverage (valued at $2,442.00 (est.) per year) and are covered by Workers' Compensation. The student may also choose health insurance coverage for immediate family members at extra cost to the student. See the University Health Insurance Website.
    • In addition to these financial benefits, assistantships allow students to work closely with faculty members, enabling them to develop a network of colleagues.
  • What are Graduate Assistant duties?
    • Duties vary. Teaching assistants typically teach undergraduate laboratory sections or grade assignments and exams. Research assistants work in specific research programs.
  • What are the hours?
    • A full-time graduate assistantship is based on a 20-hour work week (50% full-time employment or FTE). Student and employer agree upon the specific hours.
  • How much does a Graduate Assistant earn?
  • Once I have an assistantship, what do I have to do to keep it?
    • First semester teaching assistants must register for GRAD 701: Preparing Future Faculty: College Teaching I. This course provides preparation and practice for teaching across disciplines at the college level. Note: this is a full-term course and is a requirement to be satisfactorily completed, in order to maintain qualifications. For availability of the GRAD 701 course, check the course catalog.
    • Good academic standing in the chosen graduate program must be maintained. The minimum requirement is a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
    • Job duties must be performed satisfactorily.
    • International students must pass TOEFL requirement
  • What happens if my GPA falls below a 3.0?
    • Probation: If the graduate grade-point total is one to six grade points below the requisite 3.0 GPA, the student is placed on probation. The student must then raise his/her cumulative graduate GPA to 3.0 by the end of the following semester or the student will be dismissed from graduate standing.
    • Dismissal: If the graduate grade-point total is seven or more grade points below the requisite 3.0 GPA, the student is dismissed from graduate standing, or if the graduate GPA remains below 3.0 for two (2) consecutive semesters, the student is dismissed from graduate standing.