Fellowships usually pay more than other forms of financial aid. Qualifications Students are required to pass a Qualifying Exam for either M.S. or Ph.D. study. This exam is administered twice a year and covers basic topics in physics including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate levels. Part-time students are allowed proportionally longer. All of our degrees require a research project or thesis.
Students consult with several faculty members about potential research topics.
During the year presentations will be made by faculty to students about research opportunities. Before the end of the second semester of graduate work, students will have reached a mutual agreement with a faculty member concerning the thesis or project research. Current research interests are listed in this brochure for those faculty accepting research students. The M.S. program in Physics awards a Purdue University degree and requires 30 credit hours of study beyond the baccalaureate level. Both thesis and non- thesis options are available.