Physics - M.S.

Program Overview

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Physics - M.S.

Overview

The Master of Science degree in Physics consists of graduate coursework and a research project taking one or two semesters. The research project should result in a written report. Students may choose to complete a thesis, to be defended orally. This degree provides entry-level qualifications for team research employment or a high school teaching career.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or vita
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: February 1
    Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: September 1
    Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
  • Major Requirements
    • PHY 65101 | CLASSICAL MECHANICS | 3
    • PHY 66161 | QUANTUM MECHANICS I | 3
    • Graduate-Level Electives 1 | 12-14
    • Major Electives, choose from the following: | 6-8
      • PHY 55201 | ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY |
      • PHY 55301 | THERMAL PHYSICS |
      • PHY 55401 | MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS |
      • PHY 65203 | CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS I |
      • PHY 65301 | STATISTICAL MECHANICS I |
    • Culminating Experience
      • Choose from the following: | 6
        • PHY 60098 | RESEARCH 2
        • PHY 60199 | THESIS I 3
    • Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 32

Graduation Requirements

• Graduation Requirements Summary
  • Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA
    • • | 3.000
• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including the following:
   1. Think critically and analytically;
   2. Define and solve problems in physics; and
   3. Conduct quantitative research in a contemporary area of physics.
2. Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.
3. Communicate results of their work to peers, various target groups within the physics community and people outside the discipline. Teaching skills also come under this heading.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Science degree in Physics at Kent State University is a program designed for students seeking entry-level qualifications for research positions or a high school teaching career. The program consists of graduate coursework and a research project that spans one or two semesters. The research project culminates in a written report, and students have the option to complete a thesis, which requires an oral defense.

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Outline:

• Major Requirements:
• Course List:
• PHY 65101 CLASSICAL MECHANICS (3 credit hours)
• PHY 66161 QUANTUM MECHANICS I (3 credit hours)
• Graduate-Level Electives (112-14 credit hours)
• Major Electives (6-8 credit hours) - Choose from the following:
• PHY 55201 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY
• PHY 55301 THERMAL PHYSICS
• PHY 55401 MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS
• PHY 65301 STATISTICAL MECHANICS I
• Culminating Experience (6 credit hours):
Choose from the following:
• PHY 60098 RESEARCH (2 credit hours) - Requires a written research report.
• PHY 60199 THESIS I (3 credit hours) - Requires a written thesis and oral defense.
• Minimum Total Credit Hours: 32

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Careers:

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in research or for a high school teaching career.

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Other:

• Program Delivery: In person
• Location: Kent Campus
• Contact Information:
• John Portman
• Program Learning Outcomes:
• Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including:
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Defining and solving problems in physics
• Conducting quantitative research in a contemporary area of physics
• Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.
• Communicate results of their work to peers, various target groups within the physics community, and people outside the discipline.
• Affinity Groups for Graduate Students: The Division of Graduate Studies sponsors affinity groups for graduate students who are parents and for first-generation graduate students.
• Graduate Aid and Assistantships: Many graduate programs offer one of three types of graduate assistantships: administrative, teaching, or research.
• Graduate Awards and Fellowships: The Division of Graduate Studies at Kent State University administers a number of fellowships and awards for new and continuing students.