The Department of Physics offers a master of science degree with thesis and non-thesis options. The Department of Physics is an academic discipline eligible for full participation in UMKC's Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program. Qualified students can select physics as their coordinating unit or co-discipline when applying for admission or preparing their Ph.D. plan of study. (See the School of Graduate Studies section of this catalog for details about the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program.)
Graduate Admissions
To be admitted to the graduate program, a student must meet the general admission requirements for the School of Graduate Studies and have undergraduate preparation in physics. An undergraduate major in physics is not required, and deficiencies in completed coursework may be overcome by taking additional undergraduate-level courses for graduate credit. Applicants are encouraged to take both the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test and physics test. International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Admission will be based on academic record and other information such as letters of reference, GRE score and personal interview. See the School of Graduate Studies section in this catalog for requirements for admission to the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program.
Career Implications of the Master's Degree
The master's degree programs in physics are intended to serve the following groups:
- Those who wish to obtain a master of science degree but do not expect to go further in graduate work.
- Those who intend to work toward a Ph.D. in physics after obtaining the M.S. degree.
- Those who wish to take graduate courses in physics as part of a program in some other discipline or for educational or professional reasons.
- Those who wish to obtain an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degree from UMKC in two or more academic disciplines, one of which is physics.
The career implications for students with an M.S. degree in physics and seeking employment are similar to those with B.S. degrees, but they will have a more advanced standing and experience in science department activities.
A student who is entering the graduate program with the objective of earning a master of science degree will select or be assigned an adviser. This assignment should be made during the first semester, if possible. Together, the student and the adviser will work out the complete program of study for the master of science degree. Students entering UMKC's Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, and choosing physics as one of their academic disciplines, must follow the academic regulations of the School of Graduate Studies as set forth in the School of Graduate Studies section in this catalog. All graduate students in physics who have completed more than 6 graduate credit hours must take a departmental examination offered in January.
Scholarships, Fellowships and Assistantships
Financial support is available through fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships or hourly student wages. Students wishing to be considered for an assistantship must so specify in their letters and application forms.
