Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Physics, M.S.


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The Master’s degrees require a combination of appropriate course work and original research mentored by a graduate faculty member leading to the completion of a research thesis that is presented and defended by the candidate in a public forum.

Curriculum requirements


Core Physics credit hours (PHYS 7003 , PHYS 7043 , PHYS 7063 , PHYS 7083 ) 12
Minimum credit hours of thesis 3
Minimum semester hours of 6000-level or 7000-level mathematics 3
Maximum semester hours of approved physics 6000-level courses 6
Maximum semester hours of independent study 3
Minimum total credit hours 30

No more than 6 hours of transfer credit beyond the bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may contribute toward fulfilling degree requirements. Transfer credit is subject to approval by the physics graduate program advisor and the Dean of the Graduate School.

By the end of the first semester in the program, the student must have selected a general research area and reached an agreement with a graduate faculty member to serve as their research advisor. The research advisor will then select an oral examination committee consisting of the advisor and two other qualified members. At least one member of this committee must be from outside the physics department and may be a qualified expert in the research area from outside the University. The makeup of the examination committee is subject to the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.

Upon completion of the thesis, the student must pass a comprehensive oral examination. The student’s committee conducts this examination which covers the student’s entire graduate program with emphasis on the research work and content of the thesis. The thesis must be formatted according to Graduate School guidelines and the oral examination must be completed in time to meet Graduate School deadlines.

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