Graduate Programs
Physics
Degree Offered:
Master of Science Degree in Applied Physics, M.S.
Coordinator: Terrill W. Mayes
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN APPLIED PHYSICS
The Department of Physics offers an opportunity for graduate study
in physics leading to the Master of Science degree in Applied
Physics. While students have opportunities for research in several
areas, the research emphasis of faculty in the department is in
the areas of applied optics. Primary areas of research include
optical image processing, holography, fiber optics and optical
sensors, optoelectronics, and integrated optics. Graduates of
the program are prepared to move directly into a position in a
technology-based industry or government laboratory, or to pursue
additional study in a Ph.D. program.
Additional Admission Requirements. In addition to general
requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants
seeking admission into the physics graduate program must also:
- Possess a Bachelor's degree in Physics, or equivalent, from
an accredited college or university.
- Present satisfactory scores on the aptitude and physics specialty
portion of the Graduate Record Examination.
- Possess an overall GPA of at least 2.75 on all of the applicant's
work beyond high school. The GPA in the major should be 3.0 or
better.
- Present satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign
Language, if the applicant is from a non-English speaking country.
- Demonstrate evidence of sufficient interest, ability, and
preparation in physics to adequately profit from graduate study,
as determined by the Physics Department's Graduate Committee.
Degree Requirements. The Master of Science degree in Applied
Physics requires the completion of 30 hours of coursework approved
by the Physics Department and may include up to 12 semester hours
from such related areas as Mathematics, Chemistry and Engineering.
A candidate for the degree must present credit for PHYS 4222,
PHYS 4232, PHYS 4242, and at least 15 semester hours in physics
courses numbered 6000 and above. Courses for which undergraduate
credit has been awarded may not be repeated for graduate credit.
Students may select between a thesis and non-thesis option. A
student selecting the thesis option must complete at least 6 semester
hours of Physics Thesis Research, PHYS 6900, as part of the required
coursework.
A minimum GPA of at least 3.0 is required on all coursework attempted
for the degree. At the time of admission up to 6 semester hours
of graduate transfer credit may be accepted if approved by the
Physics Department and the Graduate School.
Comprehensive Examination. All candidates for the degree
must pass a final examination.
Assistantships. Support for graduate students is usually
in the form of teaching assistantships for beginning students
and research assistantships for continuing students.
[Graduate Programs]