Physics Masters

The MS degree in Physics can be obtained as a terminal degree for students not wishing to continue toward a PhD or for students who complete the necessary graduate course work but do not qualify for PhD candidacy. As with the PhD degree, the MS degree presents a challenging program designed to provide an in-depth look at the foundational areas of modern Physics.  For students meeting the qualifications upon entering the program, the first two years are structured around classroom and lab instruction, supplemented by research projects and regular interaction with multiple research groups within the Department. Attendance at colloquia and seminars is strongly encouraged. A master's thesis is not required, but may be submitted if the candidate and the director of the candidate's research believe it to be appropriate.  For complete and explicit details regarding admission to the program and progress toward a Master’s degree, please check out the links in the menu at left. 

For funding and award information, please visit the Graduate Student Funding Opportunities page.

An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

We notify applicants of admissions decisions as early as possible. Initial decisions for the Fall Semester are typically sent by the end of February, and final notification to all applicants is usually sent by May. For the Spring semester, initial decisions are typically sent in November with final notifications to all applicants being sent in December. We send admissions decisions exclusively via email through Applyweb. We do not share admissions information over the phone, and we do not share reasons for denial of admission. If admitted to the program, please indicate your decision to accept or decline our offer through Applyweb using the link in your admissions decision email.

Applicants should also review the Physics and Astronomy Department requirements for Graduate Admissions.