Tuition, Costs, and Financial Support
The Physics Department works to provide financial support to all enrolled PhD students in good academic standing. Financial support has two parts: tuition credit and a living stipend. Students with financial support do not pay tuition directly and receive a monthly stipend to cover the cost of living expenses while in graduate school.
Financial support typically comes in one of three forms: teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. The stipend for teaching and research assistants is approximately $35,000 per year. For incoming PhD students, summer research opportunities with financial support may be available during the summer prior to the beginning of their graduate study in fall.
Some university-endowed and nationally funded fellowships are available to outstanding candidates that include higher stipends. Fellows who desire some teaching experience may also be considered for limited teaching assignments, for which additional compensation is provided.
Students admitted to the MS program do not receive tuition credit, and are not eligible for financial support, either with teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. They are responsible for covering the full cost of tuition, and do not receive a stipend.
Living Expenses
Graduate students at Lehigh live in a wide variety of accommodations. These range from apartments and rooms within walking distance of campus to country houses and modern garden apartments a few miles away.
Expenses can be reasonable, especially if accommodations are shared. The University operates a 148-unit five-building garden apartment complex for married and graduate students, located on the Saucon Valley campus. Free bus service to the main campus is provided hourly.
Further information on housing is available at the Graduate Housing website , or from Housing Services.
For more information about the program and the application procedure, click on the links above. You an also e-mail physics@lehigh.edu for questions, or to arrange a visit.
Fellowships
The Department of Physics benefits from a generous gift from a graduate alumnus that supports the “Dr. Hyo Sang Lee Graduate Fellowship Program.” Students awarded Lee Fellowships receive stipend and tuition support for three years, allowing them to concentrate on their academic studies. (Students will be supported by research or teaching assistantships during the semesters not supported by the Fellowship.)
Lehigh University also offers a limited number of distinguished fellowships and scholarships for outstanding graduate students.
Student Organizations
Society of Physics Students (SPS). SPS is a chapter-based society that exists to help students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community. The Lehigh University Chapter of SPS aims to foster an interest in physics in people of all ages and backgrounds, and give Lehigh students an opportunity to learn about physics outside of the classroom. The club hosts educational and social events to bring Lehigh students together, and to share knowledge of current events and opportunities. Learn more here.
Astronomy Club. The Astronomy Club was founded in 2012 to provide a means for the Lehigh community to express interest and become active in astronomy activities. Recent club activities have included both nighttime and daytime (solar) observing sessions, astronomy-themed movie nights, and an open house at the Special Collections Library to view Lehigh’s rare collection of historical astronomy-related texts. Professor McSwain serves as the club’s advisor.
Physics Graduate Student Association (PGSA). PGSA at Lehigh University is formed primarily by physics graduate students. This club is open to all and anybody can participate in the events. If you are a graduate student and love physics, join us!
The Physics Graduate Student Association connects the physics graduate student body not only on a social aspect but also facilitates the sharing of information, resources, and best practices. Learn more here.
Optica local student chapter. The Lehigh University student chapter of Optica (formerly known as the Optical Society of America, OSA) is a student-run organization interested in the promotion of optical science and technology. Its mission is to provide exciting educational, networking, and outreach activities for the Lehigh community. Anyone interested in optics is encouraged to join the lcoal Optica chapter and to participate in its events! The Optica Student Chapter was founded by Mina Esmaeelpour, Corey LaFontaine, Ling Cai, Sudeep Khanal and Jeff Biser in Summer 2012. The Optica student chapter has been merged with the SPIE student chapter that was founded in 2008.
Other Materials
