APS Bridge Program

The APS Bridge Program creates pathways to physics graduate programs for students from all backgrounds, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to pursue advanced physics education.
How to join
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Many talented students with physics bachelor's degrees don't continue on to graduate programs. The Bridge Program aims to change that, creating better access and support for everyone.

The APS Bridge Program provides pathways to graduate program acceptance, helping qualified students who might otherwise not continue their physics education. Through our partnerships and member institutions, we work to place students in supportive physics master’s and Ph.D. programs that foster academic success for all.

Students joining the Bridge Program

You are welcome and encouraged to apply to graduate school through the APS Bridge Program if you:

  • Have a physics or similar degree
  • Come from a background traditionally not well-represented in physics
  • Are seeking a graduate degree in physics but have not yet been accepted to a program

To get started, review the student eligibility requirements and application process.

Drop in and ask questions about the Bridge Program application process during the following office hours:.

Successes of students in the Bridge Program

Students in the Bridge Program have gone on to vital and meaningful careers in academia and industry.

Improve access to physics graduate education

You can support physics students by becoming a Bridge Program member and advancing best practices for creating welcoming environments. Then, you can become a Bridge Program partner, broadening physics participation and potentially accepting Bridge students into your graduate program.

Member institutions

Bridge Program member institutions make up a network that shares innovative practices, learns from leaders, and promotes physics for all. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who wants to pursue physics can find their place in the community.

Bridge Program membership is your first step to becoming a partner institution and accepting Bridge Program students.

Join the Bridge Program member network

Partner institutions

Bridge Program partners are members institutions that have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all students, and are ready to take the next step and potentially accept Bridge Program students.

Learn more about Bridge Program partnership

Hire Bridge Program participants and graduates

Employers seeking skilled students and recent graduates with the science knowledge and critical thinking skills that a physics education provides can recruit interns and employees through the APS Bridge Program.

Email the APS Bridge Program team to learn more about employer opportunities.

Thank you to our alliance supporters

The APS Bridge Program is proud to be part of the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN). IGEN is an alliance of STEM organizations, backed by the National Science Foundation, dedicated to increasing participation in the physical sciences by making graduate education accessible to students from a broad range of backgrounds.

Contact the APS Bridge Program

If you have questions or would like more information, we encourage you to email the APS Bridge Program team.

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