How to Apply to the Physics Major at Duke: The Department of Physics in Trinity College, Applying to a College Rather Than a Major, with B.S. and B.A. Degrees and an Astrophysics Concentration, and Requirements for Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

Duke University’s undergraduate physics major is taught by the Department of Physics in Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. You choose either Trinity or the Pratt School of Engineering when you apply, and physics sits in Trinity. Mathematics, chemistry, engineering, computer science and other majors are not covered here, except in a line where they combine with physics. This guide follows the official websites and is organized for US domestic students, international students (including those from China) and transfer students.

1. Degrees and tracks

• Degrees and minor: the admissions major list shows physics as a B.A., a B.S. and a minor, and biophysics as a B.A. and a B.S. Duke lists 69 majors, 59 minors and 23 certificates, lets students choose up to three academic pathways, and offers Program II for designing your own major; the admissions page says 82% of students pursue more than one major.
• B.S.: the department page (marked “As of Spring 2019”) lists PHYSICS 161D and 162D (Fundamentals of Physics I and II, or equivalent), 164L and 165L (introductory experimental physics), 264L (Optics and Modern Physics), 361 (Intermediate Mechanics), 362 (Electricity and Magnetism), 363 (Thermal Physics), 417S (Advanced Physics Laboratory and Seminar) and 464 (Quantum Mechanics I), plus one physics elective numbered 200 or higher and one numbered 300 or higher; mathematics is MATH 122L (one-variable calculus), 212 (multivariable calculus), 221 (linear algebra) and 356 (differential equations). An experimentally intensive research independent study with hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, a write-up and an oral presentation can replace 417S with the Director of Undergraduate Studies’ approval.
• B.A.: 161D, 162D, 164L, 165L, 264L and 363, two courses from 361, 362, 464, 513 and a 300-level or higher physics-related course approved by the DUS, one lab course (271L Electronics, 417S, or a 493 research independent study with a substantial experimental component) and one other physics elective above 200; mathematics is MATH 122L, 212 and 221, with 356 strongly recommended.
• Programming: the department says all physics majors should know how to program at the level of an introductory computer science course such as COMPSCI 101, preferably by the end of sophomore year, and encourages a programming course in the first year.
• Astrophysics concentration: an optional concentration earned by taking four astrophysics courses in addition to the major requirements: Physics 305, at least two of 555, 556 or a research independent study (491/493/495) approved by the DUS as astrophysics, and one more chosen from 346, 505, 522, 622, 655 or Mathematics 575; approved UNC physics and astronomy courses may also count. These courses can also satisfy major electives.
• Biophysics major: the department works with Biology and Chemistry to offer a biophysics major (B.A. and B.S.), run by the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies. The site says the B.S. suits students preparing for graduate research in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biophysics, computational biology, medical physics, molecular biology, neurobiology and physiology, and the B.A. suits biotechnology, consulting, industrial research, journalism, law, medicine and science teaching, adding that a student who wants physics graduate school should major in physics. The B.S. includes biology (BIOLOGY 201L and others), a chemistry prerequisite (CHEM 101DL), physics (161D, 162D, 164L, 165L and others), biophysics courses (PHYSICS 364L, 414, 415) and three electives; the mathematics prerequisites are MATH 122L, 212 or 222, 221 or 218, and 356.
• Minor: five physics courses: 161D, 162D, 264L and two more above 200 (all five must be taken at Duke).
• Combinations with engineering: Duke’s engineering degrees are in Pratt; a physics-mathematics joint major or a 3-2 engineering dual degree is not described on the physics pages I read, so it is not published here; ask the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• Nearby resources: students may take up to one course per semester at UNC Chapel Hill when Duke offers no equivalent, with a free bus about every half hour; the department notes UNC has advanced condensed matter and astrophysics courses Duke does not currently offer.

2. How admission works: choose a college, not a major

• At application: the FAQ says you must apply to either Trinity or Pratt, and the application asks for your preliminary academic interests. Duke writes that it is not easier or harder to be admitted to one program or the other, so choose by interest. The pages read give no separate admission line or quota for physics or for Trinity.
• When to declare: the admissions and physics pages read do not say when Trinity students declare physics or what grades are needed; this is not published, so ask the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Trinity.
• Starting in the major: the department’s sample schedules cover starting 161D+164L in the first-year fall and 162D+165L in spring, starting in the spring of the first year (beginning with 151L), starting as a sophomore (with mathematics first) and a version with a junior-fall study-away term. Whether starting later affects declaring is not published.
• Changing in: no specific conditions for moving into physics are stated; not published.

3. Prerequisites, placement and credit

• High school courses: admissions recommends four years of English and at least three of mathematics, natural sciences, world language and social studies, generally five academic courses a year, and the most challenging courses available. It requires calculus and strongly recommends physics only for Pratt applicants; for physics in Trinity no separate requirement is listed; not published.
• Placement: the physics department recommends that interested first-year students take PHYSICS 161D+164L in the fall and 162D+165L in the spring. Students very strong in mechanics but less so in electrodynamics may take 164L, 162D and 165L in the first year; students with a very strong high school background in both are recommended to take 163D in lieu of 161D and 162D. The introductory lab sequence (164L and 165L) is required of all majors. Another page says students with a strong AP calculus-based background (5 on both mechanics and E&M) are encouraged to take 163D; questions go to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• AP and IB physics: the department says AP and IB credit are not accepted for the physics (or biophysics) major requirements (some other departments do accept AP credit). All introductory physics at Duke is calculus-based, so no credit is given for algebra-based physics even with a 5 on AP Physics B; a 4 or 5 on Physics C Mechanics or on Electricity and Magnetism earns credit equivalent to PHYSICS 141L/151L and 142L/152L respectively. Scores must reach the University Registrar from the testing agency no later than the first day of fall classes. Trinity students may receive up to two elective credits toward the 34 course credits (and up to six more for accelerated graduation); this limit does not currently apply to engineering students. Admissions adds that AP and IB work earns limited elective credit and placement, evaluated by the Registrar after admission; it cannot be evaluated until the student arrives on campus.
• Calculus credit: the physics requirement reads “MATH 122L or its equivalent”; I did not read the mathematics pages, so how AP or IB calculus is converted is not stated on the pages read.
• Labs and research: the B.S. requires the 164L and 165L labs, 264L and the 417S advanced lab; the B.A. requires one lab course. The department says most physics majors do research at Duke and many write a senior thesis; it suggests contacting potential advisors early in the spring of sophomore year, offers a limited number of summer research awards, and lists research at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory, the Free-Electron Laser Laboratory, other Duke schools, UNC and elsewhere.
• Graduation with distinction: the department honors program can lead to distinction or high distinction and requires a thesis and a defense: a presentation of up to 30 minutes within a defense of at most two hours, with three committee members (at least two with physics appointments), held no later than the last day of undergraduate classes in the spring, with the final PDF to the DUS before the end of that semester’s exam period. Physics majors can also earn Latin honors, which is based on GPA and requires no research.
• Competitions: the pages read do not say how physics competitions such as USAPhO are viewed in admission; not published. Admissions says you may submit Schoolhouse certification to show your preparation.

4. Rounds, deadlines and materials (labeled the 2026-27 cycle)

• Early Decision (binding): due November 2, with decisions in mid-December. Regular Decision: due January 4, with decisions in late March or early April. The page calls these the “2026-27 admission cycle”, so confirm it corresponds to fall 2027 entry. The FAQ says there is no financial aid advantage or disadvantage in applying Early Decision and that Duke meets full demonstrated need.
• Materials: the Common Application (or QuestBridge for eligible students); a USD 85 fee (waivable for high financial need); transcript; counselor report; three recommendations, one from the counselor and two from teachers in major academic courses, preferably from the last two years; for Pratt at least one from a math or science teacher, with no such rule written for Trinity; one optional personal recommendation. Two short essays are required (Why Duke and Communities, 250 words each) plus optional ones.
• Other: up to 10 activities; no separate resumes; optional alumni interviews (not offering one does not affect your chances); Early Decision applicants send first-quarter grades and everyone sends midyear grades by February 15.
• Tests: for 2026-2027 Duke is test-optional for first-year and transfer applicants; not submitting scores does not disadvantage you, and self-reported scores are accepted. AP and IB scores are considered if reported. Last test dates: Early Decision SAT November 7 and ACT October 17; Regular Decision SAT December 5 and ACT December 12. ACT takers are encouraged to include the science section, especially if interested in STEM fields.

5. US domestic students

• Costs: the financial support page, based on 2025-2026 (it says the official 2026-2027 cost is announced in the spring), lists tuition USD 70,265, estimated fees 2,907, housing 10,910, food 10,075, books and supplies 536, miscellaneous 3,274 and domestic transportation 582 (varies by home address), for an estimated USD 98,549. There is a single tuition figure with no in-state/out-of-state split; figures for 2027 entry are not published on the pages read.
• Aid: the page says 50% of Duke undergraduates receive aid and 75% graduate debt-free. Submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA by November 3 for Early Decision (the application page's schedule says November 2, so confirm) and February 1 for Regular Decision; on-time Early Decision applicants get an aid estimate with their December admission, and Regular Decision applicants an offer by April 1. Net price calculators are provided. For US citizens, need or having applied for aid does not disadvantage admission.
• Scholarships: Duke offers a small number of merit scholarships for which all applicants are automatically considered; applying for need-based aid does not affect this. Scholarships specific to physics are not published; the department offers a limited number of summer research awards (see above).
• State residents: any priority for state residents is not published on the pages read. DACA and undocumented applicants apply as citizens do and are reviewed need-blind.

6. International students

• How to apply: there is no separate application for international students; testing policies are the same for everyone, with no additional requirements.
• English: Duke does not require English scores but recommends one for non-native speakers or those not in an English-medium curriculum; there is no preference among tests and the highest score is used. Minimum scores expected: Cambridge C1/C2 180; Duolingo 130; IELTS band 7; PTE Academic 70; TOEFL iBT 100 (75 on the paper-delivered test). Official Duolingo submission is free and other scores can be self-reported.
• Transcripts: transcripts needing English translation can use an official service, an EducationUSA adviser or a school official, and the originals are also expected; School Report forms and transcripts must come directly from the school.
• Aid: Duke offers need-based aid and merit scholarships to foreign citizens. Foreign citizens must apply for need-based aid in the original first-year application to be eligible at any point; those who indicate interest in aid are considered in a separate pool whose admit rate the site says is usually less than half the overall rate, however great or small the need; those admitted with no financial aid interest are ineligible later. Awards are four-year and renew automatically. The CSS Profile is required, sometimes with documents through IDOC such as foreign tax forms and employer income statements, officially translated with the original and the exchange rate.
• Visa: an F-1 visa requires proof of funds and an I-20, which Duke issues only after you accept admission and return the Certificate of Financial Responsibility.
• Interviews: international applicants can submit an InitialView interview, and alumni volunteers interview in forty-two countries.

7. Applicants from China

• Interviews: Duke says students attending schools in China are “particularly encouraged” to arrange an InitialView interview and to reserve early.
• Gaokao: the pages read do not say whether Gaokao results are considered or how; not published, so ask the admissions office.
• Transcripts and credentials: see the translation and submission notes above; the pages read give no requirements specific to Chinese high school transcripts, huikao records or credential evaluation and no China-specific note; not published.
• English: recommended, not required, with scores above; the SAT/ACT is optional.
• Duke Kunshan: the transfer section says attending Duke Kunshan University and then transferring to Duke gives no advantage in admission; Duke Kunshan’s own admissions site is separate and was not read.

8. Costs, scholarships and outcomes

• Costs: see section 5; international and domestic students use the same cost table.
• Department research programs: the department pages mention a limited number of summer research awards and a list of summer research away from campus (for example NSF REU, Fermilab internships, the CERN Summer Student Program and DOE SULI, each with its own deadline); the student awards pages were not read item by item.
• Outcomes: the physics pages read print no job placement or salary figures; not published. The department only says most physics majors do research at Duke and many write a senior thesis.

9. Transfer students

• Dates and method: the transfer deadline is March 15, with no spring transfer program. You can use the Duke Transfer Application or the Scoir Coalition Application; the Common Application is not accepted. The page sets no separate conditions for transferring into physics, and its year wording is inconsistent (the optional-supplements note mentions fall of 2026), so check the year.
• Eligibility: attended a college in the past four years and will have completed at least one full year of transferable work by August; those with a bachelor’s degree cannot apply as transfers; high school students earning an associate degree apply as first years.
• Selectivity: the site says the admission rate has ranged from 3% to 7% over five years, with about 70 students transferring each fall, most as sophomores; the most successful applicants have a college GPA of at least 3.7. For 2025-2026 it lists 2,460 applications, 160 admitted and 94 matriculated, an admit rate of 6.5%.
• Materials: the transfer application, a College Report completed by a school administrator, the college transcript, the final high school transcript, two instructor evaluations (at least one from a college instructor), essays and financial aid forms.
• Credit: Duke gives no preliminary credit evaluation and cannot connect applicants with an advisor; credit is likely if the work is comparable to Duke courses in areas such as natural science and math. Credit is granted for no more than two years of outside coursework, transfers must spend at least two years at Duke, and at least half the courses of every major must be taken at Duke. Physics-specific requirements for transfers (physics and calculus sequences) are not published on the pages read.
• Aid: US citizens, permanent residents, undocumented and DACA transfer students are admitted without regard to aid and have 100% of demonstrated need met; need-based aid is not available to international transfers, and Duke offers no merit scholarships to transfers.

Checklist

Domestic students:

• Choose Trinity (not Pratt) for physics; Early Decision November 2 or Regular Decision January 4, and confirm the year; USD 85 fee (waivable)
• Three recommendations (counselor plus two teachers) and the required short essays; SAT/ACT optional
• After enrolling, follow the department’s advice to start with PHYSICS 161D+164L and 162D+165L (AP and IB credit does not count toward the physics major); submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA

International students (including those from China):

• The same application and deadlines; English scores are recommended, not required; translated transcripts plus originals
• If you need aid, apply for it in the first application; you will be in a separate admission pool
• Students at schools in China are particularly encouraged to take an InitialView interview; ask admissions about Gaokao use

Transfer students:

• March 15 deadline; at least one full year of transferable work; a 3.7 college GPA is cited for the most successful applicants; two instructor evaluations; no need-based aid for international transfers

Sources: Duke University, Undergraduate Admissions: Apply; Majors, minors and certificates; Resources and FAQs; Financial support; Physics: majors and minor; Physics: B.S. requirements; Physics: B.A. requirements; Physics: minor requirements; Physics: concentration in astrophysics; Physics: biophysics major; Physics: biophysics B.S.; Physics: introductory course placement; Physics: sample schedules; Physics: AP credit; Physics: undergraduate research; Physics: graduation with distinction. The admissions page labels its requirements the “2026-27 admission cycle”, the cost table is based on 2025-2026, and the physics degree-requirement pages are marked “As of Spring 2019”. Check Duke’s website for the latest and confirm the entry year.