How to Apply to Physics at Emory University: Apply to Emory College or Oxford College, with Six Degrees in Physics, Physics and Astronomy, Biophysics and Engineering Sciences, and Requirements for Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

At Emory University, physics is taught by the Department of Physics, which is part of Emory College of Arts and Sciences. First-year applicants use one Common App to apply to Emory College, Oxford College or both; the pages read do not describe a separate physics admission or admission line. Mathematics and computer science have their own articles on this site, and chemistry, engineering and other majors are not covered here. Below is what Emory’s website says, for domestic students, international students (with a separate section for applicants from China) and transfer students.

1. The degrees and programs

The undergraduate page says the department offers six degrees, that all physics courses are taught by full-time faculty, and that its research groups in biophysics, soft condensed matter, condensed matter and optics, and theoretical physics are internationally recognized.

• BS in Physics: for students who want a rigorous foundation in physics, especially those planning graduate study in physics. The department FAQ calls it a concentrated, mathematics-rich program with more physics requirements, higher-level mathematics throughout, and more research required and encouraged. Required (degree table): Physics 151 and 152 (Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II), 212 (Computational Modeling for Science and Engineering), 220 (Math for Science and Engineering), 253 (Modern Physics), 361 (Classical Mechanics), 365 (Electricity and Magnetism), 421 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics), 461 (Quantum Mechanics) and 444W (Advanced Lab), plus one physics elective at the 200 level or above and one at the 300 level or above; outside the department, Calculus I and II (Math 111, 112), Multivariable Calculus (211) and Differential Equations (212).
• Concentrations within the BS: Quantum Information or Physics with AI, optional paths in which electives and advanced labs focus on those topics. They are not separate degrees.
• BA in Physics: for students heading into medicine, dentistry, law, business, teaching or other fields where a physics background helps. The department says the BA covers most of the sophomore core physics curriculum with fewer upper-level physics courses and more choice among electives. Required: Physics 151, 152, 212, 253 and 444W, one of 361, 365, 421 and 461, and physics electives, plus calculus I and II, multivariable calculus and differential equations outside; Physics 220 is not required.
• BS and BA in Physics and Astronomy: the BS is for students planning graduate school and a career in astronomy, particularly astrophysics, and the department calls it equivalent to the Physics BS with a specialization in astrophysics; it requires Physics 311 and 312 (Astrophysics I and II). The BA is for students interested in astronomy who may pursue another career such as medicine, law or teaching; it takes one of 311 and 312 and requires Physics 116 (Introduction to Astronomy with lab).
• BS in Biophysics: for students who want a rigorous foundation in both physics and biophysics. Besides the physics core it requires two biophysics electives (Physics 430, 554, 556 and others) and one of Chemistry 150 (with lab) or Biology 141 (with lab).
• BS in Engineering Sciences: for students interested in professions that interface with engineers, such as engineering management and patent law, or planning an engineering graduate degree, with three tracks: Engineering Physics, Materials Science and Geosciences. The core includes Physics 151, 152, 212, 220 and 222 (Fundamentals of Engineering Design), Chemistry 150, and calculus I and II, multivariable calculus and differential equations; the rest depends on the track (only the comparison table was read here; see the department’s PDF for details).
• Minors: a Minor in Physics and a Minor in Astronomy (requirements not read here).
• Combined or double degrees with other fields: the department pages read do not list joint programs with mathematics, computer science or others; not published, so ask the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• Size and outcomes: the department page says “We usually graduate about 20 majors each year.” It says BS majors can go to top physics graduate programs and BA majors are well trained for medicine, law, industry, business, teaching, policy studies and other fields; it gives no placement percentages.

2. How admission works: one admission, major declared after enrolling

• One application: the application pages describe applying to Emory College, Oxford College or both, and the physics pages do not describe a separate physics admission. Whether the application asks for an intended major is not on the pages read; this is not published, so check the Emory questions in the Common App or ask admissions.
• When and how to declare: the department says any Emory student can submit the Declaration of Major/Minor form under the Course Planning and Enrollment tile in OPUS. The Registrar sends an initial email, the department’s undergraduate degree coordinator acknowledges the request and discusses assigning an advisor, and once the department reviews and approves it, a welcome email names your physics advisor. The physics pages do not state a declaration deadline.
• Conditions and caps: the physics pages state no grade threshold or cap for declaring physics; this is not published, so ask the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Physics majors and minors are required to meet their advisor before registering each term.
• BS or BA: the department FAQ says anyone considering a physics or physics/astronomy major should meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies as early as possible and that no student should choose without first speaking with the director. It adds that the BA schedule works well for students who take Physics 151 and 152 as sophomores (or sometimes juniors), whereas BS students who do not take them as freshmen face a particularly challenging fall of junior year with three physics requirements instead of two; many motivated students manage the late start, so it should not prohibit qualified students from choosing the BS.
• Moving in from elsewhere: the page invites students coming from Oxford College (“ATL Bound”), transfer students and anyone interested in a degree to get in touch; conditions for switching in are not on the pages read.

3. Preparation

• High school courses: the first-year pages say only that courses and grades matter and that review is adjusted to each high school’s standards; the physics pages list no required high school physics or calculus. This is not published, so ask admissions.
• Calculus and mathematics: the degree table requires Calculus I and II (Math 111, 112), Multivariable Calculus (211) and Differential Equations (212) for every physics, physics and astronomy and biophysics degree in the table (the Engineering Sciences core lists them as well). The BS in Physics also requires Physics 220; a footnote says taking both Math 221 (Linear Algebra) and Math 351 (Partial Differential Equations) excuses a BS major from Physics 220, but warns that Physics 220 is a prerequisite for many upper-level courses and should not be postponed.
• Physics 151 and 152: the table shows 151 in the fall and 152 in the spring, and a footnote says that with the permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Physics 141/142 may replace 151/152. The department advises pre-med students who want to keep the BS option open to take calculus-based Physics 151 and 152 in the first year.
• AP/IB and the physics and calculus courses (the college’s AP/IB credit chart; check the latest version): AP Physics C: Mechanics 4 or 5 maps to PHYS 151; AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 4 or 5 to PHYS 152; AP Physics 1 (4, 5) to PHYS 141; AP Physics 2 (4, 5) to PHYS 142; IB Physics 5, 6 or 7 to PHYS 141. AP Calculus AB 4 or 5 maps to MATH 111; AP Calculus BC 4 or 5 to MATH 111 and MATH 112Z (six credits on the transcript); IB Mathematics HL 5, 6 or 7 to MATH 111.
• Credit limits and uses (admissions page): AP scores of 4 or 5 typically earn three semester hours each; AP and IB together are capped at 12 hours, A-Levels and other international exams at 12 hours, and entering first-years can receive at most 18 hours in total. Credit is reviewed after you deposit. AP/IB scores may be used for general credit, prerequisites, certain requirements and the major or minor subject to departmental rules. The physics pages do not say how AP/IB credit applies to the physics major; not published, so ask the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• Lab and thesis: the degree table requires the Advanced Lab (Physics 444W; 445W for the Physics and Astronomy BS) in all the degrees above (Engineering Sciences tracks differ); it does not list a thesis as required. The BS/BA differences are in section 1.
• Honors: the honors page says that as of Spring 2024, physics majors with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or above by the end of their first three years (or before their final two semesters) are invited by the department; the program is a yearlong research project with a faculty advisor ending in a presentation and written thesis, and Honors, High Honors and Highest Honors all require an overall GPA of at least 3.7. The undergraduate research page says instead that physics BS or BA students with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA may enter the Honors Program, that honors students get priority in lab placement, and that they sign up for Physics 495 Honors Research for one semester before finishing. Both figures appear on the site; confirm with the honors coordinator.
• Undergraduate research: the research page says most research is done for credit as Physics 499 (2 to 4 credit hours), usually 3 to 4 lab hours per week per credit hour, with at least 6 to 8 hours a week needed for progress; it can also be done for pay, typically in summer, with outside funding including Emory’s SURE program. Labs are small and faculty generally accept one or two students at most, preferring those who have taken basic physics coursework. Research is concentrated in condensed matter, theoretical and computational physics, and biophysics, with astronomy projects using the DFM telescope and planetarium.
• Competitions: how competitions such as the USAPhO are viewed in admissions is not on the pages read; not published.

4. Plans and materials (fall 2027 entry)

• Early Decision I: due November 1, financial aid December 2, decisions by December 15. Binding: if Emory makes it affordable you must enroll.
• Early Decision II: due January 1, financial aid January 6, decisions by February 15; also binding.
• Regular Decision: due January 1, financial aid February 10, decisions by April 1; non-binding. The Emory University Scholar Programs deadline is November 15, with notification by March 1.
• The page prints no year, so confirm it applies to fall 2027 entry. ED can be to Emory College or Oxford College only, with the other under Regular Decision.
• Application fee: USD 75, with fee waivers for eligible applicants. Apply through the Common App.
• Essays: the Common App personal statement and two short-answer questions specific to Emory.
• Recommendations: two evaluations from core academic teachers (English, math, science, social studies, world languages and so on); the pages do not say one must be a science or physics teacher. School reports and transcripts must be submitted by a school official.
• Testing: SAT/ACT are optional for first-years starting in fall 2027; the writing portion is not required. Emory superscores both tests (best section scores for the SAT; the four best subject scores for the ACT). Applicants are encouraged to self-report AP scores of 3 or higher.
• Interview: optional; see the China section.

5. Domestic students

• Tuition: Emory is private, and the cost worksheet does not split in-state and out-of-state. The 2026-2027 estimate: tuition USD 70,300; fees 1,148; average housing 13,222; food 9,184; travel 1,100; personal 1,620; books 1,286; direct loan fees 88; total USD 97,948 (not including the required health insurance).
• Aid: new students complete the FAFSA; first-degree students in Emory College, Oxford College, Goizueta or Nursing also complete the CSS Profile and submit tax records. Aid deadlines are in section 4 (ED I December 2, ED II January 6, RD February 10).
• Scholarships: the site describes the Emory University Scholar Programs as partial to full merit-based scholarships (deadline November 15). Scholarships specific to the physics department are not on the pages read; not published.
• Resident preference or guarantee: not on the pages read; not published.

6. International students

• Requirements: international students apply as first-years with the same requirements, plus English proficiency and financial certification.
• English: applicants whose primary language is not English must show they can succeed in a rigorous English-language classroom. Any one of these demonstrates it: SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing of 700+; ACT English of 30+; or the last four years in a school where English is the language of instruction for all subjects (excluding world languages). Otherwise one test is required: TOEFL iBT, expected 100 on the old 0-120 scale (not a strict cutoff), and 5.5 or higher on the new 1-6 scale in use since January 21, 2026; TOEFL ITP at CEFR C1; TOEFL ITP Plus (Mainland China only) at CEFR C1, typically 63 to 68 per section; IELTS, expected overall 7.5 (not a strict cutoff); or the Duolingo English Test, where the most competitive applicants typically score above 130 of 160.
• Financial certification: required, through the Documentation of Finances or a bank statement, showing sufficient funds for all expenses at Emory. For those applying for aid, the documentation need not show you can fully cover the first year.
• Aid: need-based aid goes to a select group of international students each year; the aid page says to apply under Regular Decision, answer “yes” to the aid question in the Common App, and submit the CSS Profile and tax returns (translated to English and converted to USD) before February 5. Only students who apply for and receive aid in their first year are eligible for aid in the future.
• Merit scholarships: the Emory University Scholar Programs consider all citizens of foreign countries who are not US permanent residents; selection is highly competitive and funding is limited, and applicants should apply before December.
• Curricula: the site calls the IB Diploma, AP and British A-Levels widely recognized and lists national systems it recognizes by country (list not read); contact your regional admission officer with questions.

7. Applicants from China

• Gaokao: the pages read do not say how Gaokao results are used; this is not published, so ask your regional admission officer.
• Interview: for applicants from Mainland China, Emory strongly recommends the InitialView interview and considers it the preferred option when available. It is not required and does not replace the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo.
• English: the TOEFL ITP Plus is accepted for Mainland China only (see above); otherwise the same as other international applicants.
• Transcripts and verification: school reports and transcripts must be submitted by a school official, not the applicant. No China-specific credential evaluation or exam-certificate requirement is on the pages read.
• Any other China-specific guidance is not published on the pages read; ask your regional admission officer.

8. Department scholarships and research programs

• The undergraduate and research pages do not list scholarships specific to the physics department; not published, so ask the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society: physics and physics/astronomy majors and minors are eligible; candidates are drawn from students who have taken a significant number of physics courses and are in the top third of their graduating class, and new members are inducted every spring.
• Research courses and funding are in section 3; whether these opportunities are open to international students is not on the pages read; not published.

9. Transfer students

• Eligibility: a high school graduate who has completed one year as a full-time student (or is in the second semester of the first full year); at least 28 credit hours completed or in progress before applying (not counting AP, IB or dual enrollment); a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all college work (most admitted students have 3.5 or better); and the ability to complete two years (four semesters) at Emory. At most 62 semester hours transfer. Emory enrolls 100 to 120 transfer students a year.
• Fall entry only. Oxford College does not accept transfer applicants.
• Courses: no required courses to apply, but a broad curriculum is expected; credit is evaluated after admission, not before. The physics pages welcome transfer students to contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies; plan your calculus, differential equations and Physics 151/152 equivalents against section 3.
• Deadline: fall transfer applications are due March 15, financial aid March 17, with notification by early May (no year is printed; confirm it is for fall 2027).
• Materials: the Common App, official transcripts from every college attended and a full high school transcript, one faculty recommendation or academic evaluation, the USD 75 fee; TOEFL or IELTS recommended if English is not your first language; SAT/ACT optional.
• Aid: apply for aid at the same time as you apply for admission; merit-based aid is not available for transfer students, and need-based aid is not available for international transfer students.

Checklist

Domestic students:

• Apply through the Common App to Emory College, Oxford College or both: ED I November 1, ED II or RD January 1
• Two core academic teacher evaluations; testing optional; ask admissions about high school course expectations
• After enrolling, submit the Declaration of Major/Minor in OPUS and talk early with the Director of Undergraduate Studies about the BS or BA

International students (including those from China):

• English: SAT EBRW 700+, ACT English 30+, four years of English-medium schooling, or TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo
• Documentation of Finances; apply for aid under Regular Decision and submit the CSS Profile by February 5
• From Mainland China: InitialView is strongly recommended; ask your regional officer how Gaokao results are used

Transfer students:

• 28+ credit hours and a 3.0 GPA; apply by March 15 for fall entry; fall only, and not Oxford College
• Plan calculus, differential equations and Physics 151/152 equivalents against the department’s degree table

Sources: Emory University, Physics undergraduate degrees; Degree requirements comparison table (PDF); Physics prospective students; Physics advising; Physics FAQ; Physics honors program; Physics undergraduate research; AP/IB credit chart (PDF); Plans and deadlines; First-year applicants; Requirements; Standardized exam and English policies; AP, IB and college credit; International applicants; Transfer applicants; Aid for international students; Apply for financial aid; 2026-27 cost of attendance worksheet (PDF). Information is for fall 2027 entry. Check Emory for the latest details.