Master of Science in Physics
About This Program
The Master of Science in Physics is designed to give the student advanced training in all fundamental areas of physics through formal courses and the options of some degree of specialization or participation in original research in one of a variety of projects directed by the faculty.
The objectives of the Master of Science in Physics degree include:
- developing the individual’s ability to do independent research,
- preparing students for more advanced study in Physics and
- providing advanced training to those employed in technical and business areas in which Physics at the master's level is necessary for efficient performance.
Competencies
- Program graduates will have a broad knowledge of Physics both inside and outside of their chosen area of specialization.
- Program graduates will have a general knowledge of how physics research is performed and the Physics literature related to their thesis project in the case when the thesis option is selected.
- Program graduates will be able to communicate scientific concepts and findings in oral presentations to others in their field as well as to the general scientific community.
- Program graduates will be able to communicate scientific concepts and findings in writing with others in their field as well as the general scientific community.
- Program graduates will be able to articulate the skills and knowledge they have gained and apply them to future career or educational goals.
Admissions Criteria
Unconditional ADMission
For unconditional admission to the Master of Science in Physics, the candidate must satisfy the general admission requirements of the University, including a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by Graduate Admissions and favorable letters of recommendation from individuals able to assess the applicant's potential for success in a Masters program. In addition, the candidate should have satisfactorily completed at least 24 undergraduate hours of advanced physics and supporting courses and should have minimal GRE scores of 143 in Verbal and 151 in Quantitative.
Applicants not meeting the minimum requirements of the department or the University for either program may still be considered for unconditional acceptance if other information in their application indicates a reasonable probability of success in graduate studies in physics.
Probationary Admission
If an applicant does not meet a majority of standards for unconditional admission outlined above, they may be considered for probationary admission after careful examination of their application materials. Probationary admission requires that the applicant receive a B or better in their first 12 hours of graduate coursework at UT Arlington.
Deferred and Provisional Admission
A deferred application decision may be granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate. An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.
Denial of Admission
A candidate may be denied admission if he or she have less than satisfactory performance on the admission criteria described above.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Students who are admitted will be eligible for available scholarship and/or fellowship support. Award of scholarships or fellowships will be based on consideration of the same criteria utilized in admission decisions. To be eligible, candidates must be new students coming to UT Arlington in the Fall semester, must have a GPA of 3.0 in their last 60 undergraduate credit hours plus any graduate credit hours as calculated by Graduate Admissions, and must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 hours of coursework in both long semesters to retain their fellowships.
Curriculum
Thesis Option
| Foundations | ||
| Select 18 hours of 5000/6000 PHYS courses in consultation with the Graduate Advisor. | 18 | |
| Select 6 hours of 5000/6000 level courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, data sciences, earth & environmental sciences, biology, or engineering approved by the Graduate Advisor. | 6 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Complete 6 hours in the following: | 6 | |
| THESIS | ||
| THESIS | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-Thesis Option
| Foundations | ||
| Select 27 hours of 5000/6000 PHYS courses in consultation with the Graduate Advisor. | 27 | |
| Select 9 hours of 5000/6000 level courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, data sciences, earth & environmental sciences, biology, or engineering approved by the Graduate Advisor. | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Non-thesis students are required to pass an oral comprehensive exam in the last semester.