Program Overview

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Master of Science Program

The Master of Science program is designed to equip students with a broad understanding of the major fields of Physics, as well as proficiency at the graduate level in specific areas such as Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Statistical Mechanics, and Laboratory Methods.

Core Skills

After completing their Master's degree, students will:

• Be able to teach Physics at the high school level
• Be able to effectively present, both orally and in writing, their knowledge of physics
• Recognize and practice ethical behavior in the sciences
• Be prepared for a career in Physics

Knowledge

After completing their Master's degree, students will:

• Have a broad understanding of the major fields of Physics
• Have an understanding and proficiency at the graduate level of:
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Laboratory Methods

Social Justice

After completing their Master's degree, students will:

• Understand the potential impact of scientific discoveries on society
• Understand the responsibilities of conducting publicly funded research

Graduate Outcomes

After obtaining their Master's degree, our students go on to:

• Ph.D. programs
• Become teachers in high schools
• Are employed in industry and the public sector

Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science

Residence Requirement

For those accepted for full-time study, there is a one-year in-person residency requirement. No transfer residence credit will be allowed toward the fulfillment of the Master's requirements. The program may take an additional one or two semesters to complete as an Extended Master's student. Part-time students have an in-person residency requirement that is equivalent to the full-time version of the program.

Course Requirements

• Eight semester courses in physics (or, with the approval of the Graduate Advising Head, a related subject) numbered above 100
• A Master's thesis on an approved topic may be accepted in place of a semester course
• The four-credit thesis course can substitute for one of the eight required physics courses

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for advanced degrees in physics.

Qualifying Examination

Satisfactory performance in the qualifying examination is required. The qualifying examination consists of a written and an oral part, and both parts are administered during the first year of the program.

• The written part of the qualifying examination is the final examinations in specific physics courses
• The student must pass one oral exam on general physics at the college level, consisting of short presentations based on assigned original papers from the research literature, and questions from members of the examination committee.