The Physics Department offers an especially strong opportunity for thesis research in experimental solid state and materials physics. The 36-hour Master of Science degree program without a thesis is also available. This optional program requires 6 hours of course work in lieu of the thesis and 6 hours of additional course work in physics. Master of Arts. A second option differs from the standard Master of Science program only in that the minor of 9-6 hours can be in any graduate program offering a minor.
Research is an important component of our graduate program.
Faculty research interests include historical astronomy and astronomical computing, magnetic and semiconducting materials fabrication and analysis, thin film electrical characterization, scanning probe microscopy, optics, and nuclear physics. Major research instrumentation includes magnetron and dual ion beam sputtering vacuum systems, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy capabilities, atomic force microscope, scanning tunneling microscope, thin film optical characterization equipment, high resolution x-ray analysis equipment, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. Students who meet the above expectations except for credit in coursework for one of the areas specified may be granted conditional admission with the requirement of background course work to make up the deficiency. Students not meeting the expectations for regular admission or conditional admission stated above but who do meet the university's requirements for regular admission may petition the department for admission. Financial Aid Assistantships are available on a limited basis, and applications should be submitted by June 1.