Department of Physics and Engineering Physics

Chair
George P. Miller

Professors
Roger N. Blais
George P. Miller

Associate Professors
Alexei Grigoriev
Parameswar Harikumar
Scott A. Holmstrom
Sanwu Wang

Assistant Professors
Scott Noble

Graduate Program Advisor
Scott A. Holmstrom

The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Science in Physics, a Master of Science in Engineering Physics and a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics.

Learning Objectives

Master of Science in Physics. The objective of the master’s degree program in Physics is to produce graduates that have the ability to enter the workforce and perform as productive, professional, ethically-aware scientists. A student who successfully completes a master’s degree in Physics will possess the following:

Sufficient knowledge in the core fields of Physics.
The ability to assimilate and synthesize existing knowledge in a specialized subfield of Physics and to critically analyze and evaluate research, their own and that of others, in this field.
The ability to make a scholarly contribution within a specialized subfield of Physics in a timely fashion.
The ability to communicate science both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge concerning the ethical standards for scientific endeavors and the reporting of research results.

Master of Science in Engineering Physics. The objective of the master’s degree program in Engineering Physics is to produce graduates that have the ability to enter the workforce and perform as productive, professional, ethically-aware professionals in areas where traditional science and engineering disciplines overlap.

A student who successfully completes a master’s degree in Engineering Physics will possess the following:

Sufficient knowledge in the core fields of Engineering Physics.
The ability to assimilate and synthesize existing knowledge in a specialized subfield of Engineering Physics and to critically analyze and evaluate research, their own and that of others, in this field.
The ability to make a scholarly contribution within a specialized subfield of Engineering Physics in a timely fashion.
The ability to communicate science and engineering both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge concerning the ethical standards for science and engineering endeavors and the reporting of research results.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics. The objective of the doctor of philosophy program in Physics is to produce graduates that have the ability to enter the workforce and perform as productive, professional, ethically-aware physicists that are prepared for creative leadership roles in research and education. A student who successfully completes a doctor of philosophy in Physics will possess the following:

Mastery of knowledge in the core field of Physics.
The ability to assimilate and synthesize existing knowledge of Physics and to critically analyze and evaluate research.
The ability to create knowledge by making an original scholarly contribution in Physics in a timely fashion.
The ability to communicate science both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge concerning the ethical standards for scientific endeavors and the reporting of research results.

Admission

To be admitted to a graduate program in physics or engineering physics, an applicant must satisfy the general admission requirements of the Graduate School and be approved by the physics graduate program advisor. Applications should be made through the Graduate School and must include the following:

A baccalaureate degree in Physics or Engineering Physics or equivalent from an accredited institution. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
Results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Applicants from non-native English speaking countries must satisfy English proficiency requirements, including a minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based exam or 213 on the computer-based exam. Applicants from non-English speaking countries may submit a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS exam in place of a TOEFL score.
Three references or evaluations from qualified individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or technical background.

Students that have not completed all the prerequisite undergraduate courses may be admitted on a conditional basis. In such cases, the student will be required to take necessary undergraduate courses, without graduate credit, to remove deficiencies.

General Requirements

Upon admission, the student will confer with the department graduate advisor to plan course sequencing and discuss research options. Satisfactory progress in course work is required and all students are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing.

Programs

Master’s

Doctoral

Physics, Ph.D.

Combined

Courses

Physics and Engineering Physics