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 various forms for Physics graduate students. Please see the various university pagees that are referenced for full context including due dates and where to submit the forms.

Physics Program

Oral Exam

Thesis

Graduate Admission Forms

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Information

Physics Department Graduate Student FAQs

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.



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 (typically 10 classes: 4 required, 6 elective). Of the 4 core requiremed 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 6 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?

    120B Modern Phys. Lab
    120C Optics Lab
    120D Lasers Lab
    158 Modern Optics
    168 Lasers
    175 Solid State Physics
    208 Electr-Optics
    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

In addition to the traditional classes, you can also receive credit for independent projects. Which (if any) of the following have you completed?

    285 Seminar
    298 Research (for Credits)
    299 Master's Thesis (for Credits)

You may also apply up to 12 credits from relevant graduate classes taken in other departments (of which 6 can be from another university) towards your degree requirement with the permission of the graduate advisor. If you have taken any such classes list them here:

    Credits
    Credits
    Credits
    Credits

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


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