Program Overview

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Physics Master of Science Degree

Overview

A physics MS that solidifies your understanding in core areas of physics with the flexibility to pursue your area of interest.

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Optical/Photonics Scientist
• Instrumentation and Device Engineer
• Quantum Research and Development Scientist
• Radiation and Detector Physicist
• Computational Physicist

Curriculum

Physics (research option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • PHYS-601: Graduate Physics Seminar I
  • PHYS-602: Graduate Physics Seminar II
  • Choose two of the following:
    • PHYS-610: Mathematical Methods for Physics
    • PHYS-611: Classical Electrodynamics I
    • PHYS-614: Quantum Theory
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PHYS-630: Classical Mechanics
    • PHYS-640: Statistical Physics
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PHYS-790: Graduate Research & Thesis
    • Physics (or closely related) Elective
• Second Year
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PHYS-610: Mathematical Methods for Physics
    • PHYS-611: Classical Electrodynamics I
    • PHYS-614: Quantum Theory
  • PHYS-790: Graduate Research & Thesis
  • Physics (or closely related) Electives

Physics (professional option), MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • PHYS-601: Graduate Physics Seminar I
  • PHYS-602: Graduate Physics Seminar II
  • Choose two of the following:
    • PHYS-610: Mathematical Methods for Physics
    • PHYS-611: Classical Electrodynamics I
    • PHYS-614: Quantum Theory
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PHYS-630: Classical Mechanics
    • PHYS-640: Statistical Physics
  • Physics (or closely related) Elective
• Second Year
  • PHYS-780: Graduate Physics Project
  • Professional Elective or Physics (or closely related) Elective
  • Physics (or closely related) Elective

Electives

Physics (or closely related) electives

• ASTP-660: Introduction to Relativity and Gravitation
• ASTP-861: Advanced Relativity and Gravitation
• CLRS-601: Principles of Color Science
• CLRS-602: Color Physics and Applications
• EEEE-605: Modern Optics for Engineers
• EEEE-689: Fundamentals of MEMS
• IMGS-616: Fourier Methods for Imaging
• IMGS-619: Radiometry
• IMGS-628: Design and Fabrication of Solid State Cameras
• IMGS-633: Optics for Imaging
• IMGS-639: Principles of Solid State Imaging Arrays
• IMGS-642: Testing of Focal Plane Arrays
• MATH-602: Numerical Analysis I
• MATH-702: Numerical Analysis II
• MATH-712: Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
• MATH-831: Mathematical Fluid Dynamics
• MCEE-620: Photovoltaic Science and Engineering
• MCEE-713: Quantum and Solid-State Physics for Nanostructures
• MCSE-702: Introduction to Nanotechnology and Microsystems
• MCSE-712: Nonlinear Optics
• MCSE-713: Lasers
• MCSE-731: Integrated Optical Devices & Systems
• MCSE-771: Optoelectronics
• MCSE-889: Special Topics
• MTSE-601: Materials Science
• MTSE-632: Solid State Science
• PHYS-612: Classical Electrodynamics II
• PHYS-616: Data Analysis for the Physical Sciences
• PHYS-667: Quantum Optics
• PHYS-670: Teaching and Learning Physics
• PHYS-689: Graduate Special Topics
• PHYS-715: Advanced Quantum Theory
• PHYS-720: Computational Methods for Physics
• PHYS-732: Advanced Solid State Physics
• PHYS-751: Soft Matter Physics
• PHYS-752: Biological Physics
• PHYS-760: Radiation Interactions & Scattering Probes of Matter
• PHYS-767: Optical Coherence and Light-Matter Interactions
• PHYS-770: Advanced Methods in Physics Education Research
• PHYS-799: Independent Study

Professional electives

• ACCT-603: Accounting for Decision Makers
• ACCT-794: Cost Management in Technical Organizations
• BLEG-612: Legal and Accounting Issues for New Ventures
• CSCI-603: Computational Problem Solving
• CSCI-605: Advanced Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
• CSCI-610: Foundations of Computer Graphics
• CSCI-620: Introduction to Big Data
• CSCI-714: Scientific Visualization
• CSCI-720: Big Data Analytics
• DECS-744: Project Management
• EEEE-610: Analog IC Design
• EEEE-620: Design of Digital Systems
• ESCB-705: Economics and Decision Modeling
• FINC-605: Financing New Ventures
• FINC-721: Financial Analysis for Managers
• ISUS-704: Industrial Ecology
• ISUS-705: Technology, Policy, and Sustainability
• ITDS-611: STEM Education: Concepts and Practice
• ITDS-613: STEM Education: Research Methods and Theory
• MGIS-650: Introduction to Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
• MGMT-735: Management of Innovation
• MGMT-740: Leading Teams in Organizations
• MGMT-741: Managing Organizational Change
• MGMT-755: Negotiations
• PSYC-716: Graduate Social Psychology
• PUBL-630: Energy Policy
• PUBL-701: Graduate Policy Analysis

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in physics, applied physics, or a closely-related discipline within the physical/mathematical sciences or engineering fields. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional but recommended.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

• TOEFL: 100
• IELTS: 7.0
• PTE Academic: 70

Faculty

• Michael Kotlarchyk
• George Thurston

Research

Exceptional Physics Research

The College of Science consistently receives research grant awards from organizations that include the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and NASA, providing graduate students with unique opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research with RIT’s world-class faculty.

Faculty in the School of Physics and Astronomy conduct research on a broad variety of topics in experimental, theoretical, applied, and computational physics–all areas in which you may pursue research and thesis work.

Facilities

• III-V EPICenter

Related News

• May 6, 2025: RIT and University of Rochester develop experimental quantum communications network
• April 22, 2025: Ph.D. student channels her resilience into solutions
• August 8, 2024: NSF awards RIT nearly $3 million to advance semiconductor technologies

Contact

• Admissions Contact: Lindsay Lewis
• Program Contact: George Thurston