Degree Requirements

Students may choose between a thesis option MS degree or non-thesis option MS degree. A minimum of 30 credits is required for either option. At least 18 of these 30 credits must be taken at the 600-level or higher.

Core Requirements

All students must complete the core curriculum of

• PHYS 605 - Mathematical Physics
• PHYS 601 - Quantum Mechanics I

• OR

• PHYS 424 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (taken for graduate credit)

• These two core courses must be passed with a grade of “B-” or higher.

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• PHYS 698 - Physics Seminar (two semesters)

Thesis Option

Students selecting the thesis option MS must complete a further 16 credits of coursework approved by the Graduate Program Director, and a minimum of 6 credits of PHYS 799. In addition, students must write and defend a thesis before a Master’s Thesis Examination Committee formed in accordance with Graduate School policies.

Non-Thesis Option

Students selecting the non-thesis option MS must complete a further 22 credits of coursework approved by the Graduate Program Director, write a scholarly paper, and pass the written Qualifying Exam at the MS level. The Qualifying Exam must be passed within the first two years of the program.