Master's Program
There are three ways to earn a Master of Science degree in the physics department.(1) Combined BA/MS:
A student may be admitted to a special four-year BA/MS program upon recommendation of the department and the Graduate School by May 1 preceding the senior year. The student must successfully complete at least thirty-eight courses. All the regular requirements for the MA degree in physics must be met: successful completion of six graduate courses in physics numbered 160 or above, and satisfactory performance on the qualifying examination. No more than two of the graduate-level courses may be counted toward major requirements. Grades of B- or better are required in the six courses numbered 160 or above. The qualifying examination includes the final examinations in PHYS 161a, 161b, 162a and 162b, 163a and two oral examinations on all of physics through the first-year graduate level. The department will recommend admission to this program only if the student's record indicates that the student can successfully complete the requirements. Consultation with the physics advising coordinator before March 1 of the sophomore year is highly recommended for a student contemplating this program.
(2) One year Master's Program (can be longer if part-time)
Residence Requirement: For those accepted for full-time study, there is a one-year residency requirement. No transfer residence credit will be allowed toward the fulfillment of the master's requirements. Part-time students have no residency requirement.
Course Requirements: Six semester courses in physics numbered above 160. A thesis on an approved topic may be accepted in place of a semester course.
Language Requirement: There is no foreign language requirement for advanced degrees in physics.
Qualifying Examination: Satisfactory performance in the qualifying examination is required. The qualifying examination consists of a written and an oral part and both parts are administered during the first year of the program. The written part of the qualifying examination is the final examinations in PHYS 161a, 162a,b, and 163a, unless these courses have been exempted by separate examination, or credit has been given for equivalent courses taken elsewhere. There are two oral exams on general physics, the first at college physics level, the second at the first-year graduate level.
(3) Terminal Master's Degree
A student who withdraws from the Ph.D. program can earn a MS degree if he or she has satisfied all the requirements set out in item (2) above.