Become a Student in the Bridge Program

You belong in the Bridge Program

The APS Bridge Program is here to support students who are still determining their next steps after their bachelor's degree in physics or a related field. Through the Bridge Program, students from historically underrepresented groups in physics can pursue their passion for physics through placement in a masters or PhD program if they have not already been accepted to a graduate program.

Students coming into the Bridge Program may have had to balance work or support family members while also participating in their undergraduate studies. They may not have had access to the financial support that other students might have had in their undergraduate programs. The APS Bridge program aims to bridge these gaps in students' experiences to set them up for success in graduate school.

Benefits of being a student in the Bridge Program

As a student in the Bridge Program, you will have access to necessary tools and resources in your graduate program. You will also be connected to a professional and educational network of individuals committed to student success and increased diversity and inclusion in physics.

APS Bridge Program graduate schools

Through the APS Bridge Program, which collaborates with the following institutions, you will have access to graduate programs at:

• California State University Long Beach
• Florida State University
• Indiana University
• The Ohio State University
• University of Central Florida

While the APS Bridge Program does not currently offer funding to successful applicants, these participating institutions typically offer financial support comparable or identical to stipends received by other graduate students.

Eligibility

The Bridge Program is open to students who identify as an underrepresented racial or ethnic group within physics, with a particular emphasis on Black, Latino, and Indigenous students. Students who identify as these racial or ethnic groups are encouraged to apply, regardless of gender.

In addition to being a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group in physics, eligible students should:

• Seek to pursue a graduate degree in physics
• Have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in physics or closely related discipline, such as biophysics, applied physics, engineering physics, or astrophysics
• Completed core physics class requirements, such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, classical mechanics, and thermodynamics or statistical mechanics
• Have not received a letter of acceptance from a graduate program, either a master's program if the student has a bachelor's degree or a doctoral program if the student has a master's degree
• Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or part of the DACA program

Students who have been accepted to a doctoral program in physics are not eligible for participation in the Bridge Program.

Deadlines

The Bridge Program applications open annually from December 15 through March 15.

Applicants are encouraged to gather their application materials and approach those writing their letters of recommendation early, as uploading materials into the application system may take time.

There is no grace period after the application deadline has passed.

Application materials

Students in Bridge Programs must submit a completed application, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

We recommend that you complete your application with enough time to allow the individuals writing your letters of recommendation to submit their letters. Your letters of recommendation must be submitted before your application can be reviewed.

Submit your application and materials through IGEN

Bridge applicant office hours

For more information about the Bridge application and application process, review the information provided by IGEN.

Selection process and timeline

After submitting a completed application, you will receive a confirmation email.

Interviews

Students who will advance to the new round of consideration for the Bridge Program will receive information about interviews and required interview preparation. These interviews will begin in mid-April. Please review and complete the required interview preparation materials and resources from IGEN:

• Better letters: Equitable practices for writing, reading, and soliciting letters of recommendation
• Writing strong essays and personal statements and more graduate application resources

Acceptances

Accepted students will receive admission offers in early May and June via email from site leaders. Some institutions may make offers for fall enrollment later in the summer.

To ensure that you receive your acceptance email, please ensure that the email listed on your Bridge Program application is one you will use after graduation and check often.

You should also look for email communication from Bridge Program institutions throughout the summer, as some programs may make offers for fall enrollment.

Contact

For general inquiries, please contact the APS Bridge Program.