M.S. Degree

We offer a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in physics. This degree can be a path to a Ph.D. in physics, other higher level graduate degrees, academic careers or industrial ones.

Some of our students obtain an M.S. degree before they move on to a Ph.D. degree. This is not required, but can provide you with an opportunity to explore a research area before committing to a doctoral program.

We offer two M.S. degree plans: One with an emphasis on thesis; and one with an emphasis on coursework. Students should expect that completion of an M.S. degree would take two academic years of full-time study including at least one semester of intensive research.

Plan A (Thesis)

Plan A requires a thesis based on research and thesis, while Plan B substitutes additional coursework and a project and paper(s) for the thesis requirement. A total of 20 course credits is required including 14 credits of graduate-level courses. In addition, Plan A requires registration for 10 thesis credits, which suggests that you devote about 20 hours/week over a semester in research.

Plan B (Non-Thesis)

A total of 30 course credits is required, four credits of which should be designated as Plan B Project. The Plan B project and papers are expected to require three weeks of full-time effort.

Apply to our M.S. program!

See more details about our graduate program in the Graduate Student Handbook.