Physics (M.S.)

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Available Options for Degrees: A (thesis) and B (non-thesis). Option A requires a thesis based on research, while Option B substitutes additional coursework and a research paper/project for the thesis requirement. The non-thesis option is deemed appropriate for students who do not require Ph.D. preparation in physics in order to be successful in their careers.

Students should expect that completion of an M.S. degree take two academic years of full-time study.

Master of Science, Physics Plan A (thesis): Total 32 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

PHYS 721 - ELECTRODYNAMICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 723 - ELECTRODYNAMICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 743 - STATISTICAL MECHANICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 751 - CLASSICAL MECHANICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 771 - QUANTUM MECHANICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 773 - QUANTUM MECHANICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 790 - SEMINAR (C) 1-3 cr hrs (1 credit hour required)
PHYS 798 - THESIS (C) 1 to 9 cr hrs (7 credit hours required)
Select 6 credit hours from the following electives:
PHYS 533 - NUCLEAR AND ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 539 - SOLID STATE PHYSICS (C) 3 to 4 cr hrs
PHYS 581 - MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 683 - MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 739 - CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 749 - CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 775 - GENERAL RELATIVITY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 779 - GROUP THEORY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 781 - NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 783 - QUANTUM FIELD THEORY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 785 - ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 788 - RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (C) 1 to 5 cr hrs
PHYS 791 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICS (C) 1 to 3 cr hrs
PHYS 792 - TOPICS (C) 1 to 3 cr hrs
PHYS 798 - THESIS (C) 1 to 9 cr hrs (in addition to required hours)
Note:

Additional courses from outside departments would be allowed as electives with approval from the department and graduate school.

Master of Science, Physics Plan B (non-thesis): Total 32 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

PHYS 721 - ELECTRODYNAMICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 723 - ELECTRODYNAMICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 743 - STATISTICAL MECHANICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 751 - CLASSICAL MECHANICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 771 - QUANTUM MECHANICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 773 - QUANTUM MECHANICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 788 - RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (C) 1 to 5 cr hrs (Research/Design Paper 2 credit hours required)
PHYS 790 - SEMINAR (C) 1-3 cr hrs (1 hour required)
Select 11 credit hours from the following electives:
PHYS 533 - NUCLEAR AND ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 539 - SOLID STATE PHYSICS (C) 3 to 4 cr hrs
PHYS 581 - MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 683 - MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 739 - CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 749 - CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 775 - GENERAL RELATIVITY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 779 - GROUP THEORY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 781 - NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 783 - QUANTUM FIELD THEORY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 785 - ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 788 - RESEARCH IN PHYSICS 1 to 5 cr hrs (in addition to 2 required hours above)
PHYS 791 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICS (C) 1 to 3 cr hrs
PHYS 792 - TOPICS (C) 1 to 3 cr hrs
Note:

Additional courses from outside departments would be allowed as electives with approval from the department and graduate school.