Program Overview
Physics (MS)
The Graduate Physics program is intended to serve the needs of students who wish to enhance their preparation for a doctoral degree in physics or applied science, students who wish to obtain a terminal master's degree in order to work in a physics or engineering-related industry, and students who wish to enhance their teaching of physics at the secondary level.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the mathematical, computational, or experimental expertise sufficient to carry out original research in physics.
- Interpret and effectively present the results of independent projects based on coursework and research.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
Core Requirements
- PHY 411: Electrodynamics I (4 quarter hours)
- PHY 412: Quantum Mechanics I (4 quarter hours)
- PHY 420: Electrodynamics II (4 quarter hours)
- PHY 440: Classical Mechanics (4 quarter hours)
- PHY 460: Quantum Mechanics II (4 quarter hours)
- PHY 481: Thesis Writing Seminar (8 quarter hours)
Thesis Requirement
- PHY 480: Thesis Research (1-8 quarter hours)
Four Electives
- Any physics course with a number equal to or higher than PHY 410.
- A second PHY 480 is allowed as one of these six electives.
- Courses at the 300 or 400 level in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer science, or other related fields can be substituted for up to two of these four elective courses with the written approval of the departmental graduate committee.
Thesis Requirement
A thesis based on independent research in theoretical or experimental physics is generally required. However, a review thesis reflecting study of a broad subject or development of an interdisciplinary, historical, or educational theme is also acceptable with permission from the Graduate Committee.
Program Graduate Academic Student Handbook
Academic Probation
A graduate student in the Physics department is subject to academic probation as soon as their cumulative graduate GPA falls below 2.75.
Academic Dismissal
If a graduate student fails to raise their cumulative GPA to at least a 2.75 after four courses are taken while on academic probation or for more than two consecutive quarters while completing coursework on academic probation, the student may be academically dismissed for poor scholarship and prohibited from registering for additional coursework.
Readmission
A student who has been dismissed may, after a period of time, petition for reinstatement. The petition, addressed to the Dean of the College of Science and Health, would provide information that demonstrates a change in the student's circumstances to an extent that would support successful completion of the student's degree program.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of three courses (12 quarter credit hours or the semester equivalent) may be transferred from another university or DePaul program, subject to the determination of the Program Director and approval by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.
Undergraduate Courses
Students who are deemed to have inadequate undergraduate preparation in physics may be required to take undergraduate courses in Physics. Such courses will be specified by the Program Director in consultation with the Graduate Committee.
Graduation Requirements
Requirements include, but are not limited to, earning a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, completing a minimum of 48 quarter hours as twelve graduate courses applicable toward the graduate physics program, and completing and defending a thesis.
Thesis
A thesis based on independent research in theoretical or experimental physics is generally required. An oral examination on the thesis is also required.
Thesis Proposal
A proposal stating the broad outlines of the project, and signed by both the thesis advisor and the student, must be completed according to the schedule outlined in the program handbook.
Graduation with Distinction
Graduating students will be deemed to have graduated with distinction if they earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 in coursework applied toward their graduate physics program and their thesis committee declares their project to have been completed with distinction.
Time Limitation
Students pursuing a master's degree must complete all requirements for the master's degree within a maximum of six years from their first term of enrollment in the program.