Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
The Physics department comprises 20 full-time graduate faculty members, often supplemented by visiting professors to ensure a comprehensive teaching and research curriculum. Key research focuses include elementary particle physics, free-electron laser physics (with medical applications), condensed matter physics, and particle astrophysics, supported by multimillion-dollar annual funding. Approximately half of the 30 physics graduate students are international. The department operates under the College of Natural Sciences.
Multiple pathways exist for earning an MS degree, though most students opt for a 30-credit-hour program. This includes at least 18 credits from physics courses (numbered 600-798, specifically 610, 650, 670, and 690), with the remaining credits chosen from approved mathematics, chemistry, meteorology, engineering, or philosophy courses. Additional courses may be taken with departmental approval. Completion requires passing a written qualifying examination.