Physics (M.S.)

Program Overview

Degree candidates may pursue specialized research foci based on the research expertise of faculty members.  The department has specialized research in the experimental and theoretical aspects in nuclear and particle physics, and astrophysics.  USD physics is involved in international collaborations such as COHERENT, DUNE, LEGEND, LUX, MINER, and SuperCDMS, all of which are germane to the needs and special resources of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). USD also houses cutting-edge germanium crystal growth and fabrication facilities, serving as a research incubator for advancing germanium-based devices in medical imaging, quantum qubits, and materials innovation, with a strong focus on AI integration. USD physics uses analytical and computational tools such as Effective Field Theory and machine learning to address some of the deepest questions in fundamental physics. This includes building and testing new phenomenological models of dark matter through high energy colliders, neutrino experiments and astrophysical phenomenon such as cosmic and gravitational waves. Another important area of research is probing the microscopic structure of hot and cold baryonic matter at nuclear colliders.  

Students interested in specializing in analytics for large data sets can take coursework in statistics, analytics, and computing, covering topics such as data mining, machine learning, applied statistics, analytics programming, and medical imaging. Learn more at usd.edu/physics. 

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Science, Physics-no specialization (thesis)

Master of Science, Physics-Analytics for Large Data Sets specialization (thesis)

32 Credit Hours Required

Master of Science, Physics-no specialization (non-thesis)

General Application Requirements

1. Completed application
2. $36 application fee
3. Official transcripts*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Accelerated Master’s Program: BA or BS/MS (Analytics for Large Data Sets Specialization only)

Up to 12 graduate credits applied toward the B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate requirements.

The following restrictions apply:

1. Dual-listed courses taken at the 500-level can be applied to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
2. The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
3. No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree. No exceptions to this policy will be approved.
4. Courses that are “double counted” must be approved by the program coordinator for inclusion in the program of study prior to registration for the course or the credits will not be applied toward the accelerated graduate degree. No exceptions to this policy will be approved.
5. Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for dual credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.
6. Students admitted to the accelerated M.S. Program may be allowed to register for all courses included on his/her program of study and these credit hours may apply to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.

Questions?

Department of Physics
605-658-6826| physics@usd.edu | usd.edu/physics

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad