The M.S. degree in Physics or Applied Physics requires completing 30 graduate credit hours. Applicants must specify their intention to pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option. Thesis option: The thesis option requires a minimum of 15 credit-hours of coursework as outlined below, a minimum of 6 credit-hours of thesis research (PH 599), and the completion, public seminar presentation, and defense of an M.S. thesis. A thesis committee must be formed by the student and their research advisor one year prior to the student’s expected graduation date. The thesis committee should comprise three faculty members, including the research advisor, who will mentor the student and oversee their progress toward degree completion. However, the research advisor may not be the committee chair.
Non-thesis option: Students may pursue a non-thesis option which requires the student to complete a minimum of 24 credit-hours of graduate coursework from the courses listed below, and a minimum of 6 hours of directed research (PH 598).
Required Coursework:
The core physics courses are: PH511 (Classical Mechanics 1), PH514 (Quantum Mechanics 1), PH522 (Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics), PH533 (Advanced Electromagnetic Theory).
- M.S. in Physics: Students must complete 30 graduate credit hours, including all core physics courses (12 credits) and PH 515 (3 credits). Students pursuing the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 6 credits of PH 598, while students in thesis option must complete a minimum of 6 credits of PH 599. The remaining 9 credits may be taken as electives*. Courses taken outside of the department must be approved by PDGC.
- The M.S. in Applied Physics: In general, students in the Applied Physics M.S. program must complete 30 graduate credit hours, including two core physics courses (6 credits) and 9 credits of core concentration courses [see “Core Course Requirements by Concentration (Applied Physics Only)” section]. Students pursuing the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 6 credits of PH 598, while students in the thesis option must complete a minimum of 6 credits of PH 599. The remaining 9 credits may be taken as electives*. Courses taken outside the department must be approved by PDGC.
In addition, full-time students must register for the graduate seminar (PH 580) each semester. Students conducting full-time research off-campus may petition the PDGC for approval to participate remotely.
*Electives may be graduate-level courses, 4000-level undergraduate courses approved by the PDGC, thesis research or directed research. Students may appeal to the PDGC to modify these requirements.
Core Course Requirements by Concentration (Applied Physics Only)
Note: Concentrations are available only in the Applied Physics program. The Physics program does not include concentrations.
- Biophysics/Soft Condensed Matter Concentration:
- Core Physics Courses: PH 511 and PH 522.
- Core Concentration Courses: PH 562 and choose from PH 563, PH 533, PH 514, PH 541, PH 554, PH 561, PH 571, BME 555, BME 564, BME 583, CH 541 or other courses approved by advisor and PDGC.
- Nanoscience and Technology Concentration:
- Core Physics Courses: PH 514, and PH 511 or PH 533.
- Core Concentration Courses: PH 511 or PH 533, PH 515, PH 522, PH 541, PH 554, PH 561, MTE 575, MTE 509, MTE 532, CH 516, CH 554, or other courses approved by advisor and PDGC.
- Photonics Concentration:
- Core Physics courses: PH 514, PH 533, PH 544.
- Core Concentration Courses: PH 511, PH 515, PH 541, PH 548, PH 554, PH 561, PH 571, ME 5225, ME 5301, BME 583 or other courses approved by advisor and PDGC
- Radiological Sciences Concentration:
- Core Physics Courses: Students choose from the core physics course list
- Core Concentration Courses: NSE 515, NSE 530, NSE 560 and choose from any PH or NSE coded graduate courses or other courses approved by advisor and PDGC
- Medical Physics Concentration:
- Core Physics Courses: Students choose from the core physics course list
- Core Concentration Courses: NSE 515, NSE 530, NSE 560, NSE 570, NSE 580, an approved anatomy and physiology course, Medical Ethics Course.
Changing of M.S. Option:
Students may petition the PDGC to switch from a non-thesis to a thesis option. Such petition must include justification, and a letter of support from a potential M.S. thesis advisor. Students may also petition PDGC for switching from a thesis to a non-thesis option, switching between Physics and Applied Physics programs, and changes in Applied Physics concentration. Petitions will be reviewed in consultation with student’s advisor, when appropriate.