Master of Science

Description of the Program

A full-time graduate student seeking a master of science degree will normally be expected to take the thesis option. The without-thesis option is mainly designed for part-time students who already have career employment.

The following five graduate-level courses are defined as core courses for the M.S. All graduate students should take these courses as soon as possible after admission to graduate study.

Physics 5500: Mathematical Physics I
Physics 5510: Theoretical Mechanics I
Physics 5520: Electromagnetic Theory I
Physics 5530: Quantum Mechanics I
Physics 5540: Statistical Physics I

Requirements of the Major

Requirements for the M.S. Degree With Thesis

1. 30 graduate credit hours with the following constraints:
   • At least 12 credit hours of M.S. core courses.
   • A maximum of six credit hours for the thesis (Physics 5599).
   • No more than nine credit hours of 400-level courses.
2. A comprehensive written examination covering all basic areas of undergraduate and graduate physics.
3. A satisfactory thesis.
4. A final oral examination.

Requirements for the M.S. Degree Without Thesis

1. 36 graduate credit hours with the following constraints:
   • 15 credit hours of core M.S. courses.
   • No more than six credit hours of 400-level physics courses and no more than six credit hours of non-physics courses without the approval of the supervisory committee.
2. A comprehensive final written examination covering all areas of basic undergraduate and graduate physics.

Graduate students should consult with the principal graduate adviser prior to enrollment.