Applied Physics Master's Degree Requirements

Admissions Requirements

• You must meet the general admission requirements that pertain to all master’s degree candidates.
• Your prior education must include (1) mathematics through vector analysis and ordinary differential equations; (2) general physics; (3) modern physics; (4) intermediate mechanics; and (5) intermediate electricity and magnetism. (The intermediate mechanics and intermediate electricity and magnetism requirements may be waived if the applicant has an exceptional academic record and a strong background in mathematics.) A grade of B– or better must have been earned in each of the prerequisite courses.
• If your prior education does not include the prerequisites listed above, you may still be admitted under conditional status, followed by full admission once you have satisfactorily completed a set of conditional courses. Conditional courses will be selected from the suite of Applied Physics graduate course offerings and once satisfactorily completed count towards the student’s degree.
• When reviewing an application, the candidate’s academic and professional background will be considered.
• If you are an international student, you may have additional admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

• Ten courses must be completed within five years.
• The curriculum consists of four core courses and six electives.
• At least four of the courses must be at the 700-level or higher. An Applied Physics elective may be substituted for a required course if the student has previously completed an equivalent graduate-level course.
• Only one C-range grade (C+, C, or C−) can count toward the master’s degree.
• All course selections outside of the Applied Physics core, elective, and/or the relevant concentration course requirements below are subject to advisor approval.
• Materials and Condensed Matter Concentration:
  • Students can elect to concentrate their studies in materials and condensed matter by completing a combination of courses from the Applied Physics (615.xxx), Electrical and Computer Engineering (525.xxx), and Materials Science and Engineering (515.xxx) programs.
  • Four Applied Physics core courses are required. Of the remaining six courses, four or more must be 700-level materials and condensed matter courses selected from the Applied Physics (615.xxx), Electrical and Computer Engineering (525.xxx), and Materials Science and Engineering (515.xxx) programs. The remaining two electives can be from Applied Physics or other EP programs.  All course selections are subject to advisor approval.
  • Concentrations are noted on the student’s transcript.
• Photonics Concentration:
  • Four Applied Physics core courses (EN.615.xxx), one Electrical and Computer Engineering core course (EN.525.xxx), three Photonics electives (700 level), and two electives from Applied Physics or another EP program must be completed.
  • Concentrations are noted on the student’s transcript.