Program Overview

Accelerated B.S. in Physics, M.S. in Optics and Photonics Technology Program

The Accelerated B.S. in Physics, M.S. in Optics and Photonics Technology Program is a combined program that offers students the opportunity to obtain both B.S. and M.S degrees in 5 years instead of the usual 6, with a total of 149 credits instead of 163.

Program Overview

This program, also known as the Combined Physics B.S. Photonics M.S. program (Major Code: PHYPH-BSMS), allows students to take sixteen graduate credits while still undergraduates, charged at the undergraduate rates, resulting in substantial savings. The Photonics M.S. program has been certified by the Council of Graduate Studies as a Professional Master's Program.

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

Eligibility for the program is limited to Physics majors, and on a case-by-case basis, majors in other natural science programs, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.3 or greater in their major areas. All students will become Physics majors upon acceptance into the program. To receive the M.S. degree, students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA in their graduate courses.

Application Process

Eligible students may apply to the program after completing the first 16 credits of 200-level physics major requirements beyond Introductory Physics courses, chosen from courses such as Phys. 233, 234, 237, 260, 243. The application includes a personal statement of goals and aspirations, and three letters of recommendation. Once approved by the department, the major code will be changed, as appropriate, by the Registrar.

Curriculum

The detailed description of the program's curriculum is available, outlining the specific courses and requirements for the combined B.S. and M.S. degrees.

• Key features of the program include:
  • Combined B.S. and M.S. degrees in 5 years
  • 149 total credits
  • 16 graduate credits taken as an undergraduate
  • Substantial savings due to undergraduate tuition rates for graduate courses
  • Certified Professional Master's Program
  • Limited eligibility to Physics majors and other natural science programs with minimum GPA requirements
  • Maintenance of overall 3.0 GPA in graduate courses for M.S. degree completion