2025-2026 Graduate Catalog Physics

The Master of Science (MS) in Physics is designed to offer a well-rounded education that would open doors to interesting, well-paying careers in industry, government, higher education, and non-profits.

This 30 credit hour degree program requires:

• 14-credit core courses: PHY 417, PHY 425, PHY 440, PHY 484
• 6-credit electives: Two courses out of PHY 420, PHY 455, PHY 461, PHY 470, PHY 471, PHY 473, PHY 480, PHY 488
• 4-credit research development and seminar: PHY 490, PHY 407
• 6-credit thesis: PHY 499

For the research development/thesis students are assigned a research advisor, and the students work closely with the adviser to complete a thesis based on original research. Upon completion of a written thesis, a final oral examination/thesis defense is required. A range of research projects in the areas of nanotechnology, electronic and photonic materials, quantum materials, biophysics, laser physics, quantum field theory, astrophysics, etc., are being offered.

In general, students admitted to the MS in Physics program should have completed coursework in science and math equivalent to that required for a B.S. degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Material Science & Engineering or equivalent.