2022-2023 Graduate Catalog

Master of Science in Physics

An MS in physics is especially suited for those looking to go on to doctoral study or pursue careers in industry.

This program requires a six-credit thesis, which is normally a formal report on your research in some feature of experimental, theoretical, or computational physics, or physics education.

33 credits

Core Requirements (15 hours)

All students in the MS program are required to take the four core courses (PHYC 671, PHYC 673, PHYC 675, and PHYC 676) and three semesters of graduate seminar (PHYC 683 for 3 credits).

PHYC 671Classical Mechanics

3

PHYC 673Electrodynamics

3

PHYC 675Statistical Mechanics

3

PHYC 676Quantum Mechanics

3

PHYC 683Seminar in Physics

1 TO 4

3 credits in PHYC 683 are required.

12 credits in physics, applied physics, or astronomy as approved by the Department

In addition to the 15 core credits and 6 thesis credits, students must complete 12 additional graduate credits approved by the Department. At least 6 of these credits must be from physics, applied physics, or astronomy courses offered by the Department (examples listed below). A maximum of 6 credits may come from approved courses not offered by the Department (e.g., chemistry, mathematics, computer science, etc...).

PHYC 534Thermal Physics

3

PHYC 552Electricity and Magnetism 2

3

PHYC 561Elementary Particles

3

PHYC 563Nuclear Physics

3

PHYC 566Condensed Matter Physics

3

PHYC 585Measures of Learning in Physics

1

PHYC 685Special Studies in Physics

1 TO 8

ASTR 586Advanced Observational Astronomy

3

Research requirement (thesis hours, 6 credits)

The MS degree requires a 6-credit thesis, which is normally a formal report on the student’s research in some feature of experimental, theoretical or computational physics, or physics education.

THES 698Thesis

1 TO 6

6 total credits of THES 698 are required.

0-6 credits from approved courses outside the Department

With approval by the Department, up to 6 elective credits from courses outside the Department may be applied toward the program's 33 required credits. 

Total Credit Hours: 33