Physics Master of Science Degree Program

The Physics MS curriculum has been updated as of Fall 2024. The new program requirements are reflected below. Students who were admitted to the program as of Summer 2024 and prior should view the degree requirements available at this page.

Students will have access to a placement exam before they begin their studies for advisement purposes. This will assist the student and the advisor in formulating the student's academic path. For doctoral students earning the MS program along the way to the PhD, the doctoral core courses can substitute for the appropriate master's core courses. 

Option A (30 credits):

  1. Six core courses in Physics (18 credits):
    • Phy 517 Statistical Mechanics (3)
    • Phy 527 Classical Mechanics (3)
    • Phy 537 Electrodynamics 1 (3)
    • Phy 547 Quantum Mechanics 1 (3)
    • Two of the following course options:
      1. Phy 539 Electrodynamics 2 (3)
      2. Phy 557 Quantum Mechanics 2 (3)
      3. Phy 577 Computational Methods (3)
      4. Phy 587 Solid State Physics 1 (3)
  2. Twelve credits of electives courses approved by advisor or research in Physics (Phy 695 or 699), with at least one of those credits in Phy 699.
  3. Successful defense and final approval of a master's thesis.
  4. Demonstration of proficiency in one of various research skills. Examples of appropriate skills are: foreign languages, computer programming, numerical analysis and technologies such as electronics. This may be demonstrated with Phy 577.

Option B (32 credits):

  1. Eight core courses in Physics (24 credits) with an average grade of B or higher:
    • Phy 517 Statistical Mechanics (3)
    • Phy 527 Classical Mechanics (3)
    • Phy 537 Electrodynamics 1 (3)
    • Phy 539 Electrodynamics 2 (3)
    • Phy 547 Quantum Mechanics 1 (3)
    • Phy 557 Quantum Mechanics 2 (3)
    • Phy 577 Computational Methods (3)
    • Phy 587 Solid State Physics 1 (3)
  2. Six credits of elective courses approved by advisor.
  3. Demonstration of proficiency in one of various research skills. Examples of appropriate skills are: foreign languages, computer programming, numerical analysis and technologies such as electronics. This may be demonstrated with Phy 577.
  4. Two credits of Physics seminar (Phy 784 Special Topics in Physics and/or Phy 680 Seminar in Physics).
  5. Satisfactory performance on a master's research project or literature review, selected with the approval of their advisor.