Consideration is given to applicants who have a B.S. degree in physics (or related field) with a minimum undergraduate GPA of B. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (general and subject GRE) scores is recommended, but not required, with the application for admission. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate proficiency in English via the TOEFL or IELTS test, even if they have previously taken courses in the US. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 80 in the internet-based test, or equivalent (550 in the paper-based test and 213 in the computer-based one). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.

Application deadline for the Fall Semester is February 1st.  The only accepted form of application is online through the Graduate School web page. In addition to excellence in the academic background, consideration for admission is also based on diversity and interest in one of the research fields of the Department.

Curriculum Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for graduate degrees, the Physics Department makes the following specific requirements.

  1. A minimum of 30 physics course credit hours at the 600-700 level are required for the Master Degree.
  2. The following specific courses, or their equivalent, are required for the M.S. degree:
    PHY 640Classical Mechanics II3
    PHY 660Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics I3
    PHY 661Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics II3
    PHY 723Statistical Mechanics I3
    PHY 752Electromagnetic Theory I3
    PHY 753Electromagnetic Theory II3
    PHY 770Quantum Theory I3
    PHY 771Quantum Theory II3
    Select six additional physics course credits at the 600 or 700 level6
    Total Credit Hours30
  3. For the M.S. degree no more than 3 credit hours for reading courses may be counted, and no more than 2 credit hours of seminars. Up to 6 credit hours may be earned in thesis work for this degree.
  4. The physics department offers a comprehensive graduate examination each year. All students are required to take the exam when it is offered.
  5. Courses taken outside the department should be relevant to the students’ program and approved by the graduate advisor.