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 students for a variety of career paths, including further study leading to the Ph.D.
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
Application requirements can be found at Graduate School Admission Requirements and include:
- Completed Graduate Application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree in physics and previous graduate credit earned
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Official copy of GRE scores (the Physics Subject GRE is required for the doctoral program; the general GRE is required for the M.S. program; no GRE requirement for the Accelerated M.S.)
- Additional requirements exist for international applicants. For more information, visit International Admission Requirements
For more detailed admission requirements, please refer to Physics in the current graduate catalog.
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.
