College of Arts & Sciences Physics

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Graduate

Program Description

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics will prepare students for a variety of career paths, including further study leading to the Ph.D.

While degree candidates may pursue specialized research foci based on the research expertise of individual faculty members, the most significant goal of the program is to focus on research areas germane to the needs and special resources of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL). Examples of specialized research areas connected to DUSEL include:

  • nuclear/particle physics and particle astrophysics involving next-generation neutrino detection
  • double beta-decay
  • dark matter searches
  • gravitational wave detection experiments
  • condensed matter physics concentrating on novel low background radiation materials and devices

Options for the Degree

  • Option A (thesis): requires a thesis based on research.
  • Option B (non-thesis): substitutes additional coursework and a research paper/project for the thesis requirement. The non-thesis option is deemed appropriate for students who do not require Ph.D. preparation in physics in order to be successful in their careers.

Students should expect that the completion of an M.S. degree will take two academic years of full-time study.

Getting Started

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and specific requirements of the Physics program. To be eligible for the Master of Science in Physics, applicants must:

  • Provide a completed application.
  • Provide three letters of recommendation from parent institution instructors.
  • General GRE scores.
  • Provide official transcripts from all universities attended. (Applicants must have at least 3.0(B) grade point average in their undergraduate work.)
  • TOEFL scores: a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (on the paper-based test) or 213 (on the computer-based test) is required for international students from countries where English is not an official language.

Please visit the Grad School Web site for more information about applying.

Contact Us

For more information about our program, please contact us.