The M.A.T. Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant individually and holistically, taking into account the applicant's statement of purpose, writing samples, academic record, letters of recommendation, and test scores. In addition to a bachelor of arts degree or significant preparation in the discipline, and a passing score on the GACE Basic Skills Test or a state-approved exemption, applicants should achieve the following benchmarks:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 in the major, and an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. The degree must be complete at the time of admission.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores above the 50th percentile in one of the three areas.
Additional requirements for the physics program
A completed major in physics, or a related discipline, that incorporates the following coursework:
(a) Courses in physics must include the following: (Agnes Scott courses meeting these requirements are listed.)
- A foundation in the principles of calculus-based physics with lab (normally three semesters), topics to include energy, electricity, magnetism, wave phenomena (sound, light), conservation laws, atomic and nuclear physics (PHY 110, 110L, 111, 111L, 210)
- Upper-level coursework in classical and quantum mechanics (PHY 310, PHY 321, PHY 361)
- Upper-level coursework in electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics (PHY 312, PHY 331, PHY 341)
(b) Physics electives to give a strong and relevant undergraduate major: A student wishing to take an elective in physics or astrophysics is encouraged to do so. No electives are required, but the following is strongly recommended:
- A laboratory experience with analog and digital electronic circuits (PHY 242, PHY 243)
(c) Supporting Background and Competencies:
- The calculus sequence (normally three semesters), topics to include sequences, series and function representation by series, multivariable calculus, some differential equations and some vector calculus (MAT 118, 119 and 220
- An earth science or planetary astronomy course (PHY 160, AST 120)
- At least two of the following:
- A course in chemistry with lab (CHE 101, 101L)
- A course in biology with lab (any BIO 100-level course which includes a lab)
- A course in elementary statistics (MAT 115 or PSY 206)
- A course requiring applications of computing in physics (PHY 211)
- A course in the history and/or philosophy of science. (PHI 230)