Coursework for the M.S. Program

Examples of Possible M.S. Tracks

Focus: preparing for a Ph.D. program in condensed matter physics

Fall Semester 1

  • Physics 601 (Classical Mechanics: 3 cr);
  • Physics 605 (Mathematical Methods in Physics: 4 cr).

Spring Semester 2

  • Physics 606 (Classical Electrodynamics: 4 cr);
  • Physics 614 (Quantum Mechanics I: 3 cr);

Fall Semester 3

  • Physics 602 (Statistical Mechanics: 3 cr);
  • Physics 615 (Quantum Mechanics II: 3 cr);
  • Physics 850 (Soft Condensed Matter Physics: 3 cr).

Spring Semester 4

  • Physics 558 (Solid State Physics: 3 cr).
  • Physics 531 (Electronics for Scientists I: 4 cr);

Total credits: 30

Focus: preparing for a Ph.D. program in nuclear/particle physics

Fall Semester 1

  • Physics 601 (Classical Mechanics: 3 cr);
  • Physics 605 (Mathematical Methods in Physics: 4 cr).

Spring Semester 2

  • Physics 606 (Classical Electrodynamics: 4 cr);
  • Physics 614 (Quantum Mechanics I: 3 cr);

Fall Semester 3

  • Physics 602 (Statistical Mechanics: 3 cr);
  • Physics 615 (Quantum Mechanics II: 3 cr);
  • Physics 714 (Introduction to High Energy Physics: 3 cr).

Spring Semester 4

  • Physics 811 (Quantum Field Theory I: 3 cr).
  • Physics 852 (Special Topics in High Energy Physics: 3 cr);
  • Physics 531 (Electronics for Scientists I: 4 cr);

Total credits: 33

Focus: Instrumentation, for students preparing for career in industry

Fall Semester 1

  • Physics 531 (Electronics for Scientists I: 4 cr);
  • Physics 605 (Mathematical Methods in Physics: 4 cr).

Spring Semester 2

  • Physics 553 (Optics: 4 cr);
  • Physics 558 (Solid State Physics: 3 cr);

Fall Semester 3

  • Physics 602 (Statistical Mechanics: 3 cr);
  • Physics 796 (Independent Study in a Lab: 4 cr);

Spring Semester 4

  • Physics 606 (Classical Electrodynamics: 4 cr).
  • Physics 896 (Independent Study in a Lab: 4 cr);

Total credits: 30