Physics M.S.

Completion of the M.S. requires 30 credits of graduate work, including a minimum of 21 credits in course work. Course work should meet the needs of the individual student, but must include PHYS 6510 and two of the following three courses: PHYS 6410, PHYS 6520, and PHYS 6590. The master’s degree also requires some credits of research, which may culminate in a formally presented thesis (6 to 9 credits) or a research project (3 credits). Some teaching experience is required for the degree.

Outcomes of the Graduate Curriculum
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

• demonstrate academic mastery of a modern sub-topic in physics, such as astrophysics, particle physics, condensed matter, or computational physics.
• identify and address state-of-the-art problems in physics or applied physics.
• communicate the concepts and conclusions from state-of-the-art developments in physics, applied physics, or astronomy.
• communicate technical material effectively using both oral and written presentation at the mastery level.
• demonstrate ability to evaluate the validity and utility of experimental information using logical, mathematical, and statistical tools at the mastery level.
• perform scientific calculations and data analysis using computational and mathematical tools at the mastery level.
• apply knowledge of electromagnetic theory using vector calculus to analyze and model real situations at the mastery level.
• apply mechanics and kinematics including the analysis using differential equations and the Lagrangian formulation to address new problems in science and technology at the mastery level.
• apply knowledge of basic phenomenology and concepts of quantum, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics along with ability to solve and analyze solutions to the Schrodinger equation to address new problems in science and technology at the mastery level.
• apply and synthesize concepts from core mechanics, electromagnetics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics courses in the in-depth study of a specialized field related to Physics such as Condensed Matter Physics, Optical Physics and Photonics, Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Biophysics, Astronomy, or Engineering at the mastery level.