Master of Science: Physics
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from this program will:
- Have an advanced knowledge of the basic areas of physics.
- Be able to integrate their knowledge with critical thinking skills in order to become quantitative problem solvers.
- Be able to clearly articulate scientific information, both orally and in writing.
- Be able to effectively use the scientific literature.
Admission to the Master of Science in Physics Program
Admissions Requirements
For admission to the program, an applicant must meet both the School of Graduate Studies and specific program of Physics and Astronomy admission requirements described below. The graduate studies committee of the program of Physics and Astronomy will review applications and make admission recommendations to the School of Graduate Studies. Admission to the graduate program is determined by a student’s ability to do graduate-level work in physics. An undergraduate major in physics is not required, however a background in a related area of science or engineering is expected. A student’s deficiencies in completed coursework and/or background may be overcome by taking certain additional undergraduate-level courses for graduate credit.
Admission decisions are based on the student’s academic transcripts and English language abilities (for international students). International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or sit for an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Other optional information such as letters of reference (maximum of three), a statement of purpose, standardized test scores, and a personal interview can be provided to support a student’s application. Although not required, applicants are encouraged to take both the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test and the GRE physics subject test.
Degree Options
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Physics may be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the MS with thesis or the MS without thesis options.
Career Implications
The career implications for students with an MS degree in Physics and seeking employment are similar to those with a BS degree in Physics, except that they will have a more advanced standing and will be recognized as having more experience in science/technical activities. Similarly, for students that intend to pursue further academic or professional training, the MS degree in Physics will give greater weight to your applications.
Graduate Academic Advising
Graduate student academic advising questions should be directed to Professor Paul Rulis (rulisp@umkc.edu), Flarsheim Hall 250D, (816) 235-5223. Academic topics include, for example: the application and admission procedures, coursework plans of study, graduation credit hour requirements, administrative processes, participation in departmental social activities, and advice on how to find a research group, etc.
Graduate Research Advising
Graduate students are strongly encouraged to pursue research activities. Those that wish to do so will need to establish a research relationship with a faculty mentor who will then become the student’s graduate research advisor. Because the time and resources of faculty are limited, a specific student-faculty research relationship cannot be guaranteed. Interested graduate students are encouraged to set up appointments to speak with individual faculty about their research activities so as to learn if/how research activities can be integrated into their plan of study.
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Assistantships
Financial support is available through fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships or hourly student wages. Students wishing to be considered for an assistantship must so specify in their letters and application forms.
Program Requirements
General Regulations for all MS Degree Seeking Students
- Students must satisfy the general regulations and MS degree regulations set forth by the School of Graduate Studies.
- All graduate students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- No more than twelve (12) credit hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be taken for graduate credit.
- No more than six (6) credit hours of 5599 Research and Thesis may be applied toward the degree whether pursuing a thesis-based MS degree or not.
Additional Requirements Specifically for the MS Degree in Physics Without Thesis
- Completion of thirty-three (33) credit hours of Physics and Astronomy coursework taken for graduate credit.
- Select a minimum of fifteen (15) credit hours of core MS courses.
- Select no more than eighteen (18) credit hours of elective MS courses.
Additional Requirements Specifically for the MS Degree in Physics With Thesis
- Completion of thirty (30) credit hours of Physics and Astronomy coursework taken for graduate credit.
- Select a minimum of fifteen (15) credit hours of core MS courses.
- Select no more than eighteen (18) credit hours of elective MS courses.
- Maintenance of satisfactory progress toward completion of a research project and the associated written thesis as determined by your graduate research advisor.
- A satisfactory1 thesis defense with the following constraints:
- The defense may be oral, written, or both and it may include the student's thesis proposal and associated background material.
- The thesis defense is administered by the student's supervisory committee.
- The thesis defense is publicly accessible.
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Note: Graduate students should consult with the Physics and Astronomy graduate academic advisors prior to enrollment.
Professor Paul Rulis (rulisp@umkc.edu), Flarsheim Hall 250D 816-235-5223
Course List
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MS Core Courses | 15 | |
| Theoretical Mechanics I | ||
| Electromagnetic Theory And Applications I | ||
| Quantum Mechanics I | ||
| Statistical Physics I | ||
| Electromagnetic Theory And Applications II | ||
| Quantum Mechanics II | ||
| MS Elective Courses 2 | 15-18 | |
| Methods Of Mathematical Physics I | ||
| Methods Of Mathematical Physics II | ||
| Theoretical Mechanics II | ||
| Optical Properties Of Matter | ||
| Statistical Physics II | ||
| Atomic And Molecular Structure | ||
| Practical Astronomy | ||
| Stellar Astrophysics | ||
| Galaxies | ||
| Cosmology | ||
| Nuclear Physics | ||
| Quantum Theory Of Solids I | ||
| Topics In Physics | ||
| Computer Interfacing Laboratory | ||
| Research And Thesis 3 | ||
| Thermal Physics | ||
| Optics | ||
| Advanced Laboratory | ||
| Introduction To Solid State Physics | ||
| Electricity And Magnetism I | ||
| Electricity And Magnetism II | ||
| Introduction To Quantum Mechanics | ||
| 1 | 'Satisfactory' is determined by the student's committee. |
| 2 | No more than twelve (12) credit hours of 400-level courses. |
| 3 | No more than six (6) hours from PHYSICS 5599. |