Physics

The Master of Science program in physics requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit. It is offered with thesis or critical essay. The M.S. with thesis requires a thesis based on an original experimental or theoretical investigation by the student. The M.S. with critical essay requires a critical essay on the literature of a particular area of physics.

The M.S. may be a terminal degree or a step toward a Ph.D. In either case, the final examination is oral, conducted by a committee of three faculty members.

Each student\'s plan of study should provide for as much advanced work as his or her aptitude and previous preparation permit. Up to one-third of the program of study may be taken in related scientific fields other than physics (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, engineering).

All master\'s degree students in physics must earn the required 30 s.h. of graduate credit in courses numbered 4000 or above, with at least 15 s.h. in courses numbered 5000 or above. They must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 3.00.

Students who choose the thesis option must write a thesis based on an original experimental or theoretical investigation that they have conducted. Students may earn a maximum of 6 s.h. in PHYS:7990 Research: Physics or PHYS:7992 Individual Critical Study.

Students who choose the critical essay option must conduct an independent study of the literature on a chosen topic and write a critical essay on that topic. Students may earn a maximum of 4 s.h. in PHYS:7990 Research: Physics or PHYS:7992 Individual Critical Study.