Faculty: Graduate Institutions

Join the APS Bridge Program

We encourage graduate programs to join the Bridge Program in any or all of the following categories:

• Bridge Sites: Through a Request for Proposals (RFP) institutions are invited to apply to become Bridge Institutions where they work to assist talented URM students by providing an intellectual and cultural transition between the undergraduate and graduate environments. During the 1-2 year Bridge Experience, depending on the model an institution proposes, institutions will provide the students with research experiences, advanced coursework, mentoring and coaching to prepare a graduate school application. Learn more about becoming a Bridge Site
  
  
• Partnership Sites: After completing a Bridge Experience, students will need to find an appropriate graduate program to continue their studies, and therefore need a smooth transition where they continue to receive mentoring and support, especially in the first year. Institutions that will ensure these conditions and have demonstrated commitment to working with diverse students and supporting them as graduate scholars are encouraged to apply to become a Partnership Site. Learn more about becoming a Partnership Site
  
  
• Member Institutions: This free membership offers access to APS-BP information and a network of academic institutions committed to increasing educational opportunities for underrepresented minority physics students. Learn more and join now

Statistics

APS generates statistical reports on issues in graduate physics. These reports are freely available for your use. You may use our graphs in reports and presentations. Credit APS and the data source as shown on each graph. More Statistics

• The data shows the two-year average of exiting physics Master’s and PhDs by race and ethnicity for U.S. citizens (Classes of 2007 and 2008). Exiting Master’s include students from Master’s granting departments as well as students leaving departments that offer a PhD.
  
  
• The number of African Americans and Hispanic Americans who received an exiting physics Master’s degree was much greater than those who received a PhD, a trend not reflected in any of the other races. African Americans and Hispanic Americans who received a PhD in the sciences were more likely to have a terminal Master’s, reflecting a different pathway to the PhD.¹

Resources

Bridge Email List

The Bridge Program email list is an easy way to stay informed about events and opportunities concerning increasing diversity in physics graduate education. Join as a Coalition Site

Wavefront Newsletter

APS Wavefront is a monthly electronic newsletter for physics education leaders with information about upcoming APS programs, meetings, recent APS actions, and activities within the physics community. Learn more and sign up

Webinars

APS holds free monthly webinars that provide interactive discussion, career guidance, and advice from fellow physicists. All archived webinars are available online.

Publications

APS provides publications that are helpful while working with URM in physics graduate programs. These are available for free online and include:

• Research Mentoring
• Graduate Education report