Program Overview
Program Overview
The Physics Master's degree from The University of Southern Mississippi is a fully online program that allows students to advance their career in physics. The program provides a unique learning experience with synchronous classes, where students can meet with their instructor and classmates each week and learn from a community of peers.
Program-at-a-Glance
- Credit Hours: 30 hours
- Cost per Credit Hour: $578.12
- Completion Time: 1-2 years (pending hours enrolled)
- Special Requirements: The program requires students to develop knowledge in "The Study of Everything" and use their unique perspective and research to understand how the universe works.
Research Areas
Students in this program can conduct research in areas of physics, including:
- Mechanics The study of forces, particles, and their interactions
- Electrodynamics The study of electromagnetic fields
- Quantum mechanics The study of the amazing world at the nanoscale and beyond
- Statistical mechanics The large-scale behavior that results from random molecule motions
- Numerical simulations of physical systems The approach complements and, in some cases, even replaces experimental approaches
Course Requirements
The program requires the following courses:
- Mechanics | 3 hrs.
- Electricity and Magnetism | 3 hrs.
- Statistical Physics | 3 hrs.
- Quantum Mechanics I | 3 hrs.
- Seminar I | 2 hrs.
- Thesis | 6 hrs.
- Research in Physics | 3 hrs.
- PHY Electives as needed to complete 30 hours total
Additional Note
Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.
Career Opportunities
A Physics Master's degree provides a solid foundation in theoretical and experimental physics, allowing students to pursue careers across sectors like climate science, optical physics, data science, and more.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the Admission Requirements and Procedures, applicants must submit:
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (highlighting reasons for applying to the program and specific research interest, if any)
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts of previous Academic Record
Program Requirements and Academic Policies
In addition to meeting the requirements stated in General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information, students must:
- Satisfactorily complete a master's comprehensive examination.
- Satisfactorily complete a thesis or project:
- Develop and complete an original research project, thesis, and oral defense
- Complete a project under the direction of a faculty member
Tuition Information
Estimated Tuition for the Physics MS program:
- Total Credit Hours Per Semester: 9
- Tuition Per Semester: $5,473.00
- Disclaimer: This is not a bill. This is an estimate and is subject to change. Individual courses may have additional fees that are not reflected in the total above.