This program is open to highly qualified advanced undergraduate students majoring in physics. UMBC Graduate School regulations allow nine graduate-qualified credits to be taken as an undergraduate and applied toward the M.S. degree. For the combined B.S./M.S. program in physics, these may include PHYS 407 , PHYS 424  and other approved 400-level electives such as PHYS 403 , PHYS 408 , PHYS 425  or PHYS 430 . The subsequent 21 graduate credits are taken as a graduate student and are selected according to the individual student’s interests with the approval of a graduate advisor, but they must include PHYS 605 or, with approval, PHYS 705. Students wishing to participate in the B.S./M.S. program must apply before the end of the junior year. Application to the Graduate School for admission to the program must be made at least one semester prior to completion of the requirements for the B.S. degree. Graduate School regulations require the maintenance of a 3.0 GPA in courses taken for the M.S. degree.