UAlbany physicists Jesse Ernst and Vivek Jain teaching a class.

Master of Science  in
Physics

Research Groundbreaking Trends in Physics to Solve Practical Problems

Push the bounds of theoretical, experimental and computational physics to discover innovative solutions to challenges that bridge our physical and digital world. With the master’s in physics program at the University at Albany, you will dive into pertinent research on subjects like condensed matter, optics, medical imaging, digital holography, and Bayesian data analysis.

Along with research experience you will gain a sound understanding in foundational areas like computational methods, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics. You will be prepared to launch your career in academia, industry or research and development, or an advanced doctorate degree.

Program of Study

programofstudy

During your MS in Physics sequence, you will choose either a thesis project or course-based track. Whether you strive for a career path in physics, computer science, medicine or another area, or aspire toward enhanced research or a PhD, the physics curriculum at UAlbany will prepare you to be a leader in your pursuits.

You will take core courses in areas such as Statistical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Computational Methods and Solid State Physics. Further, you'll have access to electives covering diverse topics like Cosmology, X-ray optics, medical imaging, electronics, particle physics, and general relativity and more. You are required to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as:

  • Foreign language
  • Computer programming
  • Numerical analysis
  • Technologies (e.g., electronics)
  • Computational Methods 

You will also take a physics seminar for 2 credits distributed over two semesters.

Note: Non-degree students can transfer up to 12 credits to their degree program. MS students can transfer course credits and requirements to the PhD program.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Research

Participate in research projects with active faculty who are dedicated to advancing the field. You will have access to research groups that focus on quantum theory, particle physics, astroparticle physics, optics and biomedical imaging.

Additional research initiatives are related to experimental work on the ATLAS experiment at CERN, the LUX/LZ Dark Matter searches, theoretical studies of string theory and materials physics including X-ray and electron analysis.

A recent notable addition to the physics curriculum is Information and Computational Physics. Coursework around this topic focuses on problems like gathering useful information from complex data. This type of information can be applied to numerous challenges such as developing autonomous robots for space exploration, or better understanding the structure of quantum mechanics, electronic spectra and neurological function.

You will also have the chance to submit papers to peer-reviewed journals for publication and present your work at international conferences like the International Workshop on Bayesian Inference and Maximum Entropy Methods in Science and Engineering, and the symposium on Emergent Quantum Mechanics.

 

 

Student working on futuristic graphical user interface concept.

 

research-opportunities
Career Outcomes

Continue your education through PhD programs, or begin your career in academia or industry.

Potential job titles for a PhD in Physics include:

  • Scientific Support Staff
  • Data scientist
  • Research Technician
  • Software developer
  • College Instructor 
  • Applications engineer
  • High School physics teacher
  • Research scientist

 

Researchers working with technology
career

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

UAlbany graduate with confetti at Commencement.
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals

The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 

 

admissions
Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science

1. Students will master advanced classical mechanics (Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics).

2. Students will master advanced electrostatics (Maxwell’s equations in statics, quasistatic approximations in matter).

3. Students will master advanced quantum mechanics (Schrödinger and Heisenberg formalisms, bound states, quantum harmonic oscillator).

4. Students will master advanced statistical mechanics (classical and quantum statistics, particle ensembles, the Boltzmann equation).

5a. Students will either (1) demonstrate mastery of advanced electrodynamics (waves, dispersion, diffraction, special relativity)

5b. Or (2) students will demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of research via a written report).

6a. Students will either (1) demonstrate mastery of advanced techniques in quantum mechanics (perturbation theory, variational and WKB approaches, semiclassical methods).

6b. Or (2) students will demonstrate the ability to orally present research results.

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