Physics, MS

Location(s): Main Campus

The department offers relatively small classes in the core curriculum of graduate physics. Elective graduate courses include solid state physics, condensed matter physics/materials science, and more specialized seminars such as electronic thin film science. Applicants from smaller colleges have been successful in the two-year program that includes integrated undergraduate-graduate quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism and special topics courses. The department encourages early assimilation of students into research groups.

The department offers a two-year master’s degree in physics, generally based upon a research thesis. The department’s goal is for students, upon completing their degrees, to be able to choose between working as a physicist or continuing in a PhD program. This program is for students seeking careers in applied physics or in research and development in industrial laboratories. It is also intended for technical personnel in industry who wish to attain a higher level of understanding of the physical principles on which modern technology is based.

Admission Requirements

Normally, an applicant for graduate study must have a bachelor’s degree and a record that indicates a proficient level of scholarship. Specialization in physics or related fields at the undergraduate level is desirable but not essential for admission. Graduate Record Examination scores for the general and subject tests are helpful in evaluating applicants. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the director of graduate programs in the department for further information or for answers to specific questions about admission procedures.

Program Requirements

The MS degree requires the completion of graduate level coursework and satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination or the completion and defense of an acceptable thesis.

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MS in Physics must 30 credits of graduate level coursework with at least a B average, The following courses are normally required as part of this requirement:

PHYS 521 - Analytical Dynamics
PHYS 522 - Classical Electrodynamics I
PHYS 524 - Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 527 - Graduate Laboratory
PHYS Electives chosen to complement student’s interests

Notes:

A number of courses within the Physics Department have been designed with an emphasis in applied physics. A student’s selection of courses must have the prior approval of the graduate committee. The above course requirements may be waived if a comparable course is included in previous coursework, or substituted to accommodate the student’s research interests.

Because of the breadth of the field of applied physics, each student’s coursework is carefully planned to tailor the program to meet the individual’s particular interests and needs. All students, on entering the program, meet with the director of graduate programs to plan their curriculum, and the department’s graduate committee oversees students’ progress.

Examination Option

Under the examination option, the candidate must pass a comprehensive examination prepared by the graduate committee, covering the basic principles of physics and applied physics and the student’s special area of interest.

Thesis Option

Under the thesis option, no more than six credit hours of PHYS 599 may be counted toward the 30-credit requirement for the degree. After submission of the thesis, the candidate must pass an oral examination on the material pertaining to the research area.

Additional Information About the Program

For more information on the Physics MS program, please refer to the Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy Department website. To apply to the Physics MS program, please visit the University Admissions website.