The UMass Physics Department offers a course-based Master's program (no thesis required) that gives students the flexibility to design a curriculum suitable either as a preparation for a PhD program, or as a pathway to a career in industry. Additionally, undergraduate physics students currently enrolled at UMass are eligible to apply for the accelerated (4+1) M.S. program.
A thesis-based M.S. is currently available only under special circumstances; students applying to the program are applying to the course-based program.
Students in the M.S. program are encouraged to make use of the many professional development opportunities available through both the department and the Graduate School's Office of Professional Development.
Please note that students enrolled in the M.S. program are ineligible for teaching or research stipends at any of the Five Colleges.
Information for Current M.S. Students
- About the M.S. Program
- Requirements for the course-based M.S.
- Example Course-Based Programs
- Requirements for the thesis-based M.S. (requires special permission)
- Physics Graduate Student Handbook
- Contacts and Useful Links
Information for All Prospective M.S. Students
- About the M.S. Program
- General Information for Prospective M.S. Students
- Application Requirements for the M.S. Programs
- How to Apply to the M.S. program
- Graduate Courses
- Contacts and Useful Links
Accelerated (4+1) M.S. Program
Physics Graduate Program Handbook
Graduate Courses
Contacts and Useful Links
Department of Physics