Master's Degree in Physics—Overview

The graduate studies program of the Department of Physics is oriented primarily toward the Ph.D degree. To a large extent, the Master's degree requirements are merely a brief version of those for the Ph.D. Therefore, the Department is able to offer the Master's Degree to students who come specifically for training at this level, and also to students who for various reasons are unable to complete their Ph.D. program as they initially intended, or who wish to obtain a Master's degree after they have completed their Ph.D. comprehensive exam. The Master's Degree may be earned under either Plan I (with Thesis) or Plan II (without thesis) as outlined in section XXI of the Department's Rules for Graduate Students.

Master's Degree Requirements:

• Residency requirement - at least two semesters;

 

• Time limit - 4 years for MS students, 5 years for PhD students;
   
  
• Complete required courses with a C or better in each class;

 

• Maintain a "B" average (there are restrictions on the use of thesis hours to raise a low grade point average);
   
  
• Complete and defend a Thesis if under Plan I;
  
  
• Complete Comps II for both plans
  

• File an Application for Admission to Candidacy and diploma card by the posted deadlines.