Physics (M.S.)
https://ceps.unh.edu/physics-astronomy/program/ms/physics
The Physics M.S. program prepares students for a career in industry, education, or government. The curriculum encompassing core areas of physics as well as elective classes that can be chosen to match their area of interest. The M.S. degree includes a capstone experience, which can be a Master's Thesis or a Master's project (for students in the PhD program, the oral thesis proposal satisfies the capstone requirement).
For more details, please consult the physics graduate student handbook.
Applying
Please visit the Graduate School website for detailed instructions about applying to the program.
Degree Requirements
To obtain the degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits as outlined below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PHYS 805 | Experimental Physics (or equivalent demonstrated experimental proficiency) | 4 |
| PHYS 931 | Mathematical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 939 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 941 | Electromagnetic Theory I | 3 |
| PHYS 943 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 806 | Introduction to Physics Research and Teaching (two semesters) | 2 |
| Select one of the following options: | 12 | |
Option A-Thesis: 12 additional credits including a 6 credit Master's Thesis PHYS 899 with oral defense | ||
Option B-Project: 12 additional credits including a Master's Project PHYS 895 (up to 4 credits) with a seminar presentation | ||
Option C-Exam: 12 additional credits of coursework and passing the written comprehensive and oral qualifying exams (for students in the PhD program only) | ||
Accelerated Master's Overview
Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.
Accelerated Master's Highlights
- Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
- Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
- Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
- A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
- A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
- Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Requirements
- Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
- Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
- Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
- See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.
Physics (M.S.) Accelerated Option
This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physics (B.S.) | ||
| Students select from the following approved 800-level courses that can be completed in the undergraduate senior year for dual credit: | ||
| PHYS 805 | Experimental Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 810 | Astrophysics I | 4 |
| PHYS 812 | Introduction to Space Plasma Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 818 | Introduction to Solid-State Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 820 | Nuclear Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 864 | General Relativity and Cosmology | 4 |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will master the theoretical concepts in advanced mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics at the graduate level.
- Students will have an advanced understanding of the mathematical methods, both analytical and computational, required to solve complex physics problems at the graduate level.
- Students will be proficient in experimental physics.
- Students will have a specialized knowledge of their chosen field of research in physics at the level of a Masters degree.
- Students will be well prepared for further graduate study in physics and related disciplines.
- Students will be well prepared for advanced careers in a multitude of fields ranging from scientific and technical to financial.
- Students will be able to present advanced scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.