Physics, MS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Students wishing to complete their formal education with the MS degree generally select Plan A (thesis) so as to gain some research experience, as well as formal class work. These students are prepared to enter teaching positions at the community college level or industrial and civil service positions at the junior scientist and engineer level. Students planning advanced graduate work generally complete the Plan B (non-thesis) or Plan C (prior graduate school experience) requirements for the MS degree. At this point, most of their formal class work has been completed and further work consists mainly of seminars, directed research, and the dissertation.

Requirements

For the MS Plan A, students must complete 30 credit hours of course work, including (a) a minimum of 18 credit hours of physics courses numbered 600 to 798, including PHYS 610 , PHYS 650 , PHYS 670 , and PHYS 690 ; (b) minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis (PHYS 700 ); and (c) approved electives, which may be selected from PHYS 699 for a maximum of 2 credit hours and graduate courses in astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, meteorology, engineering, information and computer science, earth science and philosophy. Other courses can be included on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the department chair. A final oral examination covers the thesis and related areas and completes the Plan A requirements.

For the MS Plan B, students must complete 30 credit hours of course work, including (a) a minimum of 18 credit hours of physics courses numbered 600 to 798, including PHYS 610 , PHYS 650 , PHYS 670 , and PHYS 690 ; and (b) approved electives, which may be selected from PHYS 699 for a maximum of 9 credit hours and graduate courses in astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, meteorology, engineering, information and computer science, earth science and philosophy. Other courses can be included on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the department chair.

To complete the MS Plan B degree, students must demonstrate competency in the following four topical areas of physics: classical mechanics (a grade of A- in PHYS 610 , OR a P* grade in the classical mechanics section of the Comprehensive Exam); electrodynamics (grades of A/B+ or A-/A- in PHYS 670 /PHYS 671 , OR a P* grade in the electrodynamics section of the Comprehensive Exam); quantum mechanics (grades of A/B+ or A-/A- in PHYS 650 /PHYS 651 , OR a P* grade in the quantum mechanics section of the Comprehensive Exam); and statistical mechanics (a grade of A- in an approved undergraduate statistical mechanics course, OR a grade of A- in PHYS 430 or PHYS 730 or PHYS 731 , OR a P* grade in the statistical mechanics section of the Comprehensive Exam). Competency in all four topical areas must be demonstrated by the end of the sixth regular semester in the program.

For the MS Plan C there is no credit hour requirement, but a minimum residency requirement must be satisfied. MS Plan C is intended for students who had completed equivalent course requirements at another institution. Admission to Plan C requires the approval of the physics graduate program advisory committee. A final comprehensive oral examination completes the requirements for Plan C.

Students should refer to the Graduate Division section for any additional requirements.