Example Plan for Acquiring an MS degree in Physics

The following example schedule assumes the student is admitted with classified standing in the Fall and intends to spend 2.5 years in the program without writing a thesis.

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Fifth Semester

*only 6 units (i.e. 2 undergraduate classes) may count towards your degree. Non physics classes may be substituted with graduate advisors consent

Forms for Physics Graduate Students

This is only a list of quick links to common forms for Physics graduate students. Please see the various university pagees that are referenced for more forms and full context including due dates and where to submit the forms.

Physics Program

Culminating Expderience Forms

Graduate Admission Forms

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Information

The department is accepting TA (teaching assistant) applicaitons for next semester. Please fill out the TA application form if you are interested.

Physics Department Graduate Student FAQs

Filter by: Current Students | Prospective Students

Virtual Advising
feedback
This form can be used to check the progress you've made towards your degree. When you have completed the form you will get advice based on the selections you've made and a summary will be sent to you and to me - once I've reviewed your entries I'll remove your advising hold. You can always follow up with me in person as well. In some cases I will require a follow up appointment before removing the advising hold.



Some new requirements are in place for "new" students. When did you enroll in the masters program?

You must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 each semester to avoid academic probation.

You are required to meet the university writing requirement, this can be met in several ways, please check any that apply:





There are currently two degreess awarded by the department. Which are you planning to get?

You have to take 30 units ( ). Of the required classes which (if any) have you taken so far?

    205 Advanced Dynamics
    210 Electromagnetic Theory
    230 Methods in Mathematical Physics
    263A Quantum Theory

Of your elective classes. 6 units (typically 2 classes) may be upper division undergraduate classes (i.e. 100 level). Which (if any) elective courses have you taken?

    117A Astrophysics I
    117B Astrophysics II
    155 Topics in Modern Astronomy
    120B Modern Phys. Lab
    120C Optics Lab
    120D Lasers Lab
    158 Modern Optics
    168 Lasers
    175 Solid State Physics
    208 Electro-Optics
    220 Graduate Optics Lab
    240 Comp. Physics
    248 Optical Metrology

    250 Semiconductor Physics
    255 Advanced Physics
    255C Celestial Mechanics
    258 Optics
    260 Statistical Mechanics
     263B Quantum Theory
    265 Nucelar Physics
    268 Laser Spectroscopy
    275 Solid State Physics
    277 Superconductivity and Magnetism

Credits for classes taken "expire" after 7 years. In some cases credits can be "revalidated" after 7 years. Do you expect to take more than 7 years to graduate?

    Yes No

You are required to take the Physics GRE and score 550 or better. Have you done so yet?

    Yes No

Are you considering doing a thesis?

    Yes No


Show Advice (clicking submits the form)

Prospective Student Info

Information for prospective students that applies to all graduate students is available from Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations. A few hilights are listed below, followed by information specific to the department of Physics and Astronomy.

General Info for Applicants

Department Info

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered. Letters of recommendation are not required, and the GRE is not required.

The department offers the following:

Info for foreign applicants