Program Quick Facts
The Physics Master of Science (MS) degree offers students a foundation in either fundamental or applied physics, together with experience in forefront research. Areas of research include, but are not restricted to, theoretical and experimental investigations in: atomic and molecular physics, computational physics, high-energy physics, low-temperature/condensed matter physics, materials science, nuclear physics, quantum optics and radiation effects.
The student will take a suite of core Physics graduate courses. For students focused on areas of fundamental physics, these will include PHYS 601, PHYS 603, PHYS 606, PHYS 607, and PHYS 615. For students focused on areas of applied physics, these will include PHYS 606, PHYS 615, any two of PHYS 601, PHYS 603, or PHYS 607, plus an additional course other than PHYS 666 chosen in consultation with the student's committee. In either case, the student will also perform research in the area of the thesis. A non-thesis option is also offered.
As part of the training of the graduate student pursuing an MS or PhD, the Department of Physics and Astronomy recommends that all students serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Graduates of the Physics program will be well prepared to enter higher education, private or public industry, and much more.
The student will take a suite of core Physics graduate courses. For students focused on areas of fundamental physics, these will include PHYS 601, PHYS 603, PHYS 606, PHYS 607, and PHYS 615. For students focused on areas of applied physics, these will include PHYS 606, PHYS 615, any two of PHYS 601, PHYS 603, or PHYS 607, plus an additional course other than PHYS 666 chosen in consultation with the student's committee. In either case, the student will also perform research in the area of the thesis. A non-thesis option is also offered.
As part of the training of the graduate student pursuing an MS or PhD, the Department of Physics and Astronomy recommends that all students serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Graduates of the Physics program will be well prepared to enter higher education, private or public industry, and much more.