Program Overview

---

Physics (M.S.)

The Physics (M.S.) program is designed to produce exceptional problem-solvers, equipped with the skills and knowledge to apply science to real-world applications.

Program Overview

A solid physics foundation combined with extensive, hands-on training in state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization facilities prepares students for careers in the local high-tech industry, science education, or advanced studies. Students are engaged in research and gain superior graduate education with individual faculty attention and mentoring.

Course Work

Students complete a 30-hour thesis program focusing on research in experimental condensed matter physics, physics education, or astronomy. Students may also opt for the 36-hour non-thesis program. Both options require core courses and electives educating students in advanced physics through a rigorous curriculum that includes cutting-edge, hands-on training. Additionally, the thesis option includes a materials physics concentration, which offers an exceptional opportunity for research in nanotechnology and applied physics.

Program Details

The following program details are available:

• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: No concentration, Materials Physics
• Hours: 30, 36
• Thesis Option: Thesis, Non-Thesis
• Minor Option: Science minor required, No minor
• Location: San Marcos

Program Mission

The Department of Physics strives to provide an exciting, engaging, and rigorous educational environment that stresses relevant research, classroom learning, and extensive training to prepare students for careers in industry, education, or further research. With an emphasis on graduate research, the department has an effective curriculum that provides high-quality hands-on training in state-of-the-art research facilities.

Career Options

Physics graduates are in high demand across the local and national high-tech and semiconductor industries and in K-14 physics education. Some graduates also pursue advanced degrees. Master's degree graduates have the option to continue to an innovative, multidisciplinary Ph.D. program in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.

Program Faculty

Physics faculty are actively engaged in externally funded, competitive, interdisciplinary research in condensed matter physics, physics education, and astronomy. Our students' research has the potential to change the world. Federal, state, and private organizations have supported this research with an especially strong emphasis on materials physics and nanotechnology with applications in semiconductor and oxide optoelectronic devices, solar cells, and energy harvesting, astrophysics, and physics education research.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below:

• Application
  • Completed online application
• Application Fee
  • $55 nonrefundable application fee, or $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Transcripts & GPA
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
  • A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA in junior and senior-level physics courses in modern physics, mathematical physics or equivalent, classical mechanics, electromagnetic field theory, and quantum mechanics
• Test Scores
  • GRE is not required
  • Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
    • Official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • Official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • Official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • Official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
    • Official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
• Documents
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
• Conditional Admission
  • If your Physics GPA is below 3.0, please submit the following items in order to be considered for conditional admission:
    • Official GRE (general test only) required with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning section

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines are as follows:

• Fall - Priority: February 1 (U.S. Citizen), February 1 (International)
• Fall - Standard: August 1 (U.S. Citizen), June 1 (International)
• Spring - Priority: September 1 (U.S. Citizen), September 1 (International)
• Spring - Standard: November 1 (U.S. Citizen), October 1 (International)