Master of Science in Physics

About

Physics is the source of new concepts about the nature of the universe and is a driving force for new technologies. The fundamental physics research of one generation often leads to the applied physics and technology of the next. The Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy prepares students to contribute to new concepts and technologies through innovative teaching methods that combine student-faculty interactions, computer-based education, and “hands-on” experience in modern laboratories. Our faculty cooperates with the international Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST), the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and the very popular MilkyWay@Home project. State-of-the art equipment for graduate students’ experimental research in optics and condensed matter physics is provided in the physics department. The equipment includes optical, electronic, and cryogenic instruments, surface science techniques and materials growth equipment. Examples are Atomic Force Microscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, Ellipsometry, High-Resolution Low Energy Electron Diffraction, Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction, X-Ray Crystallography, and Super-Resolution Microscopy. Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: demonstrate mastery of core graduate-level Physics through completion of a selection of graduate courses including Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Statistical Physics.

Career Path

Career path includes Research Scientist (Physics), University Lecturer, Postdoctoral Fellow, Astrophysicist, Experimental Physicist, Theoretical Physicist, Particle Physicist, Semiconductor Process Engineer, Acoustics Engineer, Applied Physicist, Condensed Matter Physicist, Optical Engineer, Materials Scientist, Electronics Design Engineer, Nanotechnology Specialist, Laser Systems Engineer, Nuclear Physicist, Renewable Energy Technologist, Radiation Safety Officer, Quantum Physicist, Computational Simulation Engineer, Scientific Consultant, Scientific Software Developer, Physicist Cryptography Analyst, AI Researcher.