Coronavirus Update: In response to additional information regarding the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, USD will continue remote delivery through the summer academic term (May 18-Aug. 7). USD will resume on-campus operations, including face-to-face instruction, this fall. All USD-hosted events and visitor activities are canceled through July 31. USD plans to host graduation ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. More information about COVID-19
Graduate Physics
Physicists help us understand the world at its most fundamental level, from the smallest particles to the universe itself.
Degrees
Master of Science (M.S.)
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics will prepare you for a variety of career paths, including further study leading to the Ph.D. Students should expect the completion of an M.S. degree take two academic years of full-time study. Chose from thesis (plan A) or non-thesis (plan B) tracks to suit your goals.
Accelerated Master of Science (M.S.) with specialization in Analytics for Large Data Sets (plan A only)
The Accelerated Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics allows USD undergraduates to apply up to 12 graduate credits toward their B.S. or B.A. program.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Physics grads are invaluable in industries dealing with nuclear energy, electronics, communications, aerospace, medical instrumentation and more.
Admission Requirements
For more detailed admission requirements, please refer to Physics in the current graduate catalog. Additional requirements exist for international applicants. For more information, visit International Admission Requirements.
The Classroom & Beyond
Center for Ultra-low Background Experiments at Dakota (CUBED) will allow USD and collaborators to fully participate in experiments planned for the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF).
The Physics Club is USD's chapter of the National Society of Physics & Astronomy Students and sponsors guest speakers, social events, a physics fair and astronomy skywatching.
The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) Experiment presents a program for the construction and deployment of a large two-phase liquid/gas xenon dark matter detector and water shield, to be installed in the Sanford Deep Underground Laboratory at the Homestake Mine, South Dakota.
