Students achieving the M.S. in Physics and Astronomy can go on and pursue further graduate studies in Physics and Astronomy or in other fields. They can also obtain positions as professional scientists. The M.S. is the minimal professional qualification for most physicist/astrophysicist positions in the United States.
Physics M.S. Degree
Physics M.S.
Students earn the Physics Master of Science (M.S.) degree through a combination of research and coursework. Most students prepare a research thesis with an oral examination, though it can also be obtained under a non-thesis option.
The research activities in the Physics & Astronomy Department are broad and include astrophysics and cosmology, biophysics, condensed matter and surface sciences, and nuclear and particle physics. Experimental and theoretical studies take place in these areas. Furthermore, inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental programs also are possible.
Careers with a Physics Master's Degree
Choose a Research Area
Experimental and theoretical studies take place in these areas. Inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental programs also are possible.
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Astrophysics and Cosmology
Learn the physical principles behind the workings and evolution of the universe and its structures, including stars, black holes, galaxies, and cosmological large-scale structure. Combine observational and theoretical studies with the option of a thesis or dissertation project in observational or theoretical astrophysics. Observational work can be completed with 51ĀŅĀ×ās share of the MDM observatory and/or other national and international observatories.
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Biophysics
Learn the physics, mathematics and life science principles involved in this strong interdisciplinary field of research, where concepts of physics, mathematics and biology combine. Our Quantitative Biology Institute, the interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program and the Bioengineering Program facilitate this advanced training. Work in collaboration with biologists, bioengineers and mathematicians and learn how to utilize emerging computing technologies.
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Nanoscience
Learn the basic principles that govern the physics of condensed matter physics, including phenomena at atomic, nano-, meso- and macroscopic scales for crystalline solids and amorphous materials. The program combines experimental and theoretical studies in all these areas. Conduct experimental work with state-of-the-art Athens facilities and/or in collaboration with national facilities. Research on theoretical physics range from analytic model development to computational physics.
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Nuclear and Particle Physics
Learn the basic principles that govern sub-atomic particles, from the quark-and-gluon substructure of nucleons to how complex nuclei are composed. The program includes both theoretical and experimental components as well as the application of nuclear physics to astrophysics. Experimental work is performed in the on-campus Edwards Accelerator Laboratory or at external facilities including the Thomas Jefferson and Brookhaven national laboratories. Theoretical research includes computational investigations as well as analytic models.
Physics M.S. Courses & Degree Requirements
The M.S. in Physics requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, including six core courses usually completed in the first year of graduate study.
M.S. Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option requires satisfactory completion of a faculty-approved project, one to four credits of PHYS 6940 Special Study, and the departmentās set of six core courses.
M.S. Thesis
In addition to required courses, students' culminating experience includes a research thesis with an oral examination. The oral examination of the M.S. thesis consists of a presentation by the student describing the research followed by questions from the thesis committee.
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium Series
Participation in the weekly colloquium, PHYS 8001, is required of all graduate students. Participation in one of the area-specific seminar series and in special topics courses also is encouraged.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Virtually all graduate students in the Department of Physics & Astronomy are supported financially, usually via a Teaching Assistantship (TA) during their first one or two years and a Research Assistantship (RA) thereafter. There are no separate forms on which to apply for financial aid. On the online application, under department funding, check all of the boxes that apply.
Resources
Research Opportunities
Related Programs
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Physics Ph.D.Ph.D. physics students partner with faculty to perform cutting-edge research, join the worldwide scholarly community, and hone their skills by writing research papers, presenting results at conferences and seminars, and producing a dissertation.
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Physics M.A.The M.A. is for special cases and usually involves substantial work in other fields. Candidates must follow an approved program filed with the Departmental Graduate Committee and submit a scholarly paper based on these studies for approval by at least two readers.