Physics (MS)

Requirements for the MS Degree

Students may choose to obtain an MS degree with or without thesis.

The MS without thesis degree requires 30 credit hours in PHYS courses, including at most 3 credits of research (PHYS 868 ). Graded courses are those receiving a letter grade (A through F). Among 24 required credits, at least 6 credits must be at the PHYS 800 level. At least 6 credits of classroom courses must be at the PHYS 800 level. In addition, the degree candidate will survey the literature on a current topic in physics or astronomy, write a report on this topic and make a public presentation to the department, represented by three members of its faculty.

The MS with thesis requires 24 credits hours in PHYS courses, including at most 3 credits of research (PHYS 868 ). Graded courses are those receiving a letter grade (A through F). Among 24 required credits, at least 6 credits must be at the PHYS 800 level. At least 6 credits of classroom courses must be at the PHYS 800 level. In addition 6 credits of thesis work (PHYS 869 ) are required. The purpose of the MS thesis is to demonstrate that the student can conduct research under supervision and communicate the results clearly in English. The thesis is defended in an oral examination administered by a committee of three members of the Department.