How to Apply to Physics at DePauw University: A Physics B.A. in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with the 1884 McKim Observatory, No Application Fee and Test-Optional, for Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) offers undergraduate physics through the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and students apply to the University through the Office of Admission. Here is what you need to know, based on the University’s website, organised for US domestic applicants, international applicants and applicants from China, followed by transfer students. Mathematics, astronomy, geology and computer science are not covered here beyond a mention of related programs.

1. Degrees and areas

• Degree: the physics page lists a Physics B.A. in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on campus, with nine courses, and a physics minor of five courses. The pages read do not list a B.S., applied physics or astrophysics degree track; astronomy appears as a separate minor.
• Major requirements (requirements page): core courses PHYS 120, PHYS 130, PHYS 210, PHYS 220, PHYS 280 (Experimental Methods, a half course) and PHYS 480 (Senior Seminar, a half course); two of PHYS 320, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380; two of PHYS 410, 420, 430, 440; and three and a half courses at the 300 and 400 level in total. MATH 151 (or MATH 135–136) and MATH 152 are also required.
• Sample course content (courses page, described as a representative sample): PHYS 120 is a calculus-based introduction to mechanics with a laboratory; PHYS 130 covers electric and magnetic fields, circuits, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, interference and diffraction, with a laboratory; PHYS 210 covers fluids, thermal physics, electromagnetic waves and special relativity; PHYS 220 introduces quantum mechanics and properties of matter; PHYS 280 uses oscilloscopes and nuclear instrumentation, teaches statistical data analysis and builds machine-shop skills; 300/400-level courses include Astrophysics I, Biophysics, Lasers, Cosmology, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Thermal Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Quantum Mechanics.
• Labs and writing: the course pages mark PHYS 120, 130, 210 and 280, among others, as including a laboratory. The requirements page says physics majors build writing skills in PHYS 220, 280, 370 and 480, through lab reports and papers.
• Senior requirement: all senior physics majors complete PHYS 480, Senior Seminar, in which students read, interpret and discuss primary literature from current physics research in a format like the journal clubs of many graduate programs. Majors who want to do their own research can enrol in an independent study project under PHYS 390, usually with a department faculty member, often producing research posters or papers.
• Related programs: the physics page lists related majors in earth science, environmental geoscience, geology, mathematics and pre-engineering, and related minors in astronomy, environmental geoscience, geology, mathematics and physics. This article does not go into them.
• 3-2 pre-engineering: the pre-engineering page says DePauw has formal agreements with Case Western Reserve University, Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis, so that students earn a DePauw B.A. and an engineering B.S. after studying at both, normally three years at DePauw and two at the engineering school; a 4-2 route and other options are mentioned. Pre-engineering students complete MATH 251 and MATH 363, one year of physics (PHYS 120 and 130), a programming course (CS 121) and at least one semester of chemistry, plus the requirements of the chosen engineering school; the pre-engineering adviser is Dr. Oscar Qu.
• Honors: the physics pages do not describe a physics-specific honors sequence. The student resources page lists university-level programs including the Honor Scholar Program and Science Research Fellows; their terms were not read, so check the website.

2. How admission works: you apply to the University, not to the major

• At application: the admission pages do not ask applicants to choose physics and do not describe a separate admission line for it. You apply with the DePauw Application, the Common Application or the Coalition Application; the University describes a holistic review looking for academic achievement, intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn with others.
• Declaring the major: the pages read do not say when to declare physics or whether there is a GPA threshold or a cap; this is not published in what was read, so ask the Department of Physics and Astronomy (contact Hope Sutherlin, 765-658-4654) or the Registrar.
• Internal transfer into the major: not published in the pages read; ask the department.

3. Prerequisites and placement

• High school physics and math: the admission and department pages read do not state a high school physics or math requirement. The courses page gives high school algebra and trigonometry as the prerequisite for introductory astronomy courses such as PHYS 103 and 104, and says PHYS 110 (Physics and Society) does not fulfil the prerequisites for advanced physics courses or for medicine, engineering or secondary teaching.
• Where physics starts: PHYS 120 requires MATH 136 or MATH 151 as a prerequisite or co-requisite; PHYS 130 requires PHYS 120 and MATH 151 or MATH 136; PHYS 210 requires PHYS 130 with MATH 152 as a prerequisite or co-requisite, and PHYS 220 likewise. The requirements page says physics majors need MATH 151 (or MATH 135–136) and MATH 152, so where you start in calculus shapes your physics sequence.
• Math placement: the Registrar says DePauw offers placement tests for foreign languages and mathematics, and that placement tests for calculus, computer science and many modern languages are available during New Student Orientation. The pages read do not mention a physics placement test. MATH 135 and 136 (Calculus with Review I and II) are for students who need to review algebra and trigonometry, and the requirements page lets MATH 135–136 stand in for MATH 151.
• AP physics and calculus credit: per the Registrar, DePauw generally gives one course credit (four semester hours) for AP scores of 4 or 5. AP Physics 1 and Physics C: Mechanics map to PHYS 156A (AP Physics I); AP Physics 2 and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism map to PHYS 156B (AP Physics II). The courses page describes PHYS 156 as advanced placement credit for physics (mechanics; electricity and magnetism), one course. Whether these credits can replace PHYS 120 and 130 in the major is not stated in the pages read; ask the department and the Registrar. AP Calculus AB 3 – if MATH 152 is completed with a C- or better, 1.00 credit is awarded for MATH 151; AB 4 or 5 – credit for MATH 151, and the student may enrol in MATH 152. AP Calculus BC 3 – credit for MATH 151, with MATH 152 or 251 open, and if MATH 251 is completed with a C- or better, 1.00 credit for MATH 152; BC 4 or 5 – credit for MATH 151 and 152, and the student may enrol in MATH 251. A maximum of eight course credits (32 semester hours) can be awarded through dual enrollment, early college and advanced placement programs.
• IB and A-Level: IB scores of 5, 6 or 7 on higher level examinations often earn course credit, and A-Level grades of C or better may earn up to two course credits. Which physics or math courses these map to is not stated in the pages read; ask the Registrar.
• Physics competitions: not mentioned in the pages read.

4. Deadlines and application materials

• Rounds and deadlines: Early Decision I and Early Action I are due 1 November with materials by 8 November, notification by 15 December; the ED I deposit is due 15 January and the EA I deposit 1 May. Early Decision II and Early Action II are due 15 December with materials by 22 December, notification by 15 January; the ED II deposit is due 15 February and the EA II deposit 1 May. Regular Decision is due 1 February with materials by 8 February, notification by 1 March and a deposit by 1 May. The pages show no year, so check that they apply to fall 2027 entry.
• Application fee: none.
• Materials: school transcripts, the counselor’s school report and one letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor or community group leader. The site does not say the recommender must be a science teacher. Transcripts and recommendations must come directly from a school official. The pages read do not describe supplemental essay requirements; check the application platform you use.
• Testing: test-optional for all first-year and transfer applicants enrolled in a public, private or charter school. DePauw accepts self-reported scores, the student score report, official scores from a testing center, or scores on the official transcript, and test-optional applicants are still considered for merit scholarships. Codes: SAT/AP/TOEFL 1166, ACT 1184.
• Deferral: the international page says that students who want a gap year should confirm enrollment by 1 May and submit a deferral request by 1 June.

5. US domestic applicants

• Costs (2026–27): the tuition and fees page lists tuition of $62,710, housing and meals $16,240 and mandatory fees $1,170, a total of $80,120 in direct costs billed by the University; estimated indirect costs are $800 for books and supplies, $1,000 transportation, $1,700 personal expenses and $70 average loan fees. The pages read show no in-state versus out-of-state difference. The 2027–28 figures are not published in the pages read; see the University’s website.
• Aid: the DePauw Promise commits to meeting 100% of calculated financial need for every incoming first-year student, beginning with the class entering in fall 2026 (the FAQ on the tuition page refers to the “2027 incoming class”; the two pages word the year differently; confirm with the financial aid office). Need is determined by the FAFSA and, for some students, the CSS Profile; the priority FAFSA date is 1 February and DePauw’s FAFSA code is 001792. Every applicant is automatically considered for merit scholarships, ranging from $20,000 to full tuition; the Promise page says students on average qualify for $30,000–$45,000 in DePauw scholarships and also says merit scholarships can cover up to half the cost of attendance. Competitive full-tuition awards include the Rector, Jordan, Green, Sanger and Prindle scholarships. On the share of students aided, the tuition page says more than 90 percent receive scholarships, grants or other university aid, while the scholarships page FAQ says more than 95 percent.
• State residents: the Promise page says participants in Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program receive up to four years of tuition, and that DePauw also meets the full calculated need of all admitted Scholars. A priority or guaranteed admission rule for state residents is not mentioned in the pages read.

6. International applicants

• English: applicants whose first language is not English must submit an official report: TOEFL minimum 85 iBT with 20 per section (563 paper-based; 223 computer-based; 543 TOEFL ITP Plus for China), IELTS minimum 6.5, Duolingo minimum 110 or PTE minimum 57. TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS Indicator and PTE at-home are accepted, and MyBest scores are accepted for TOEFL.
• Waivers: applicants from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (except Quebec) and a list of Caribbean countries and territories receive an automatic waiver; students who have spent their entire secondary education at an English-medium school can request one with the English Proficiency Waiver Request form, reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Academic documents: transcripts must be sent directly by the current or most recent secondary school and cover the last four years of secondary school (at least three if you are still in school). Non-English documents need a certified English translation verified by your school or a local EducationUSA office. Counselors submit national, regional or state board results (such as CBSE/ISC, WAEC, IGCSE/GCSE) with the school records. Documents sent by applicants are not accepted, even if sealed and stamped. Admitted students who enrol must submit proof of graduation and a final official transcript.
• Certification of finances: all international applicants must submit proof of financial support to complete the application. The page states that for 2025–26 the estimated amount required to qualify for an I-20 is $77,220 (minus any awards), subject to change if tuition changes; the tuition page gives $80,120 in direct costs for 2026–27. These figures come from different pages. Required: the DePauw Student Certification of Finances (in the applicant portal, required of everyone regardless of interest in need-based aid) and supporting documents such as recent bank statements or employer letters verifying parental income. The international application and international aid pages state that the International Student Financial Aid Application and the CSS Profile are not accepted, but the general scholarships and aid page says international students seeking need-based aid must complete the CSS Profile. The pages contradict each other; confirm with international admission (intladmission@depauw.edu).
• Optional interview: an interview is not required; Vericant and InitialView interviews are accepted as a supplement.
• Scholarships and aid: every applicant is considered for merit scholarships. The Rector scholarship provides full tuition and typically goes to the top five percent of the applicant pool; Bonner, Prindle Institute Ethics and music performance awards also exist. Need-based aid requires the Certification of Finances; aid deadlines match admission deadlines and packages are awarded at admission. On-campus student employment is open to international students. Nearly 20% of each incoming class is international.

7. Applicants from China

• Gaokao: whether and how the Gaokao is used is not published in the pages read; contact international admission (intladmission@depauw.edu).
• Transcripts and school-leaving materials: no China-specific transcript requirements are published; the general international requirements are in section 6. In the application process page, the “Students from China” entry only refers to the Optional Interview section, i.e. Vericant or InitialView interviews as an optional supplement.
• English scores: the page adds a TOEFL ITP Plus minimum of 543 for China; the other scores are as in section 6.
• International curricula: students taking AP, IB or A-Level can use the credit rules in section 3; AP scores should be sent to DePauw (CEEB code 1166).

8. Costs, scholarships, research and outcomes

• Costs: see section 5.
• Facilities and research: the physics page says students learn in integrated classrooms, labs and DePauw’s own McKim Observatory, with courses touching cosmology, nuclear physics, astrophysics, thermal physics, electricity, magnetism and quantum mechanics. The student resources page says McKim Observatory was built in 1884, keeps much of its original equipment, houses a Clark refracting telescope that students can use for coursework and independent research, and holds regular public open houses; the Percy L. Julian Science and Mathematics Center houses the classrooms, laboratories and offices. The University-level Asher Office of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity is listed on the student resources page; the international page says 36% of students conduct faculty-student research.
• Student organizations: the Tigers Astronomy Club and Sigma Pi Sigma, which honors scholarship in physics and astronomy.
• Department scholarships: the pages read give no physics-specific scholarship amounts.
• Outcomes: the physics page lists internships at VERITAS (Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the NIST Center for Neutron Research and the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and graduate schools attended including Northwestern, Michigan, Indiana, Purdue, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington University in St. Louis. It prints no placement rate for physics majors; its overview says a physics major opens careers in engineering, medical research, national security, financial analysis, education or journalism. The international page says that in recent years about one third of international graduates secured professional jobs in the US, one third returned to work in their home country and one third went directly into a master’s or doctoral program.

9. Transfer students

• Materials: the DePauw Application or Common Application, the Common App College Official’s Report, official transcripts from all colleges attended, the official final high school transcript, and one letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor (optional for domestic applicants, required for international applicants). The page says successful transfer applicants typically have at least a 3.0 GPA in college-level work. Test scores are optional for domestic transfer applicants; international transfer students whose first language is not English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo and complete the Certification of Finances after applying.
• Deadlines: spring entry 1 December (notified by 15 December, deposit 1 January); fall entry 1 July (notified by 15 July, deposit 1 August). The pages show no year, so check. There is no application fee.
• Credit transfer: the Registrar says DePauw generally accepts courses from regionally accredited colleges (including junior and community colleges) in areas where it has curricular offerings, with a grade of C or better and at a level parallel to DePauw’s; College Algebra and Finite Math are treated as precalculus and get no transfer credit. Use Transferology to check equivalencies; the Registrar evaluates credit after admission. Whether outside physics and calculus courses can satisfy PHYS 120, PHYS 130 and MATH 151–152 for the major is not stated in the pages read; ask the department.

Checklist

US domestic applicants:

• ED I / EA I 1 November; ED II / EA II 15 December; Regular 1 February; no application fee; one recommendation; testing optional
• FAFSA priority date 1 February; Indiana 21st Century Scholars are covered on the DePauw Promise page

International applicants (including China):

• TOEFL 85, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 110, PTE 57 (or a waiver); Certification of Finances with supporting documents; the international pages say CSS Profile and ISFAA are not accepted (the general aid page mentions the CSS Profile, so confirm with admission)
• Gaokao use not published; ask international admission

Before and after entry:

• Take the math placement test during New Student Orientation; the major is nine courses including PHYS 280 and PHYS 480 as half courses, plus MATH 151 (or 135–136) and 152; AP physics credit maps to PHYS 156A/156B, so ask the department whether it replaces PHYS 120/130

Transfer students:

• Spring 1 December, fall 1 July; courses with C or better; confirm physics and calculus equivalency with the department

Sources: DePauw University, Physics; Physics major and minor requirements; Physics courses; Physics student resources; Pre-engineering; Advanced credit and placement; Admission: apply; Admission: international application process; Scholarships and aid for international students; Admission: transfer applicants; Scholarships and aid; The DePauw Promise; Tuition and fees. The deadlines on the admission pages show no year, so check that they apply to fall 2027 entry and see the University’s website for the latest. The department’s own website is hosted on a third-party platform and the course catalog was not read for this article.