Physics, MS
approved for STEM-OPT extension, astronomy, atomic, quantum
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
The Master of Science program in physics provides graduate instruction and research experience appropriate to many physics-related careers. The structure of the program is flexible enough to allow a wide range of programs of study and a wide range of student backgrounds. It is also suitable for part-time study.
Completion of the program requires a minimum of two years, with students typically taking courses for the first three semesters and completing a research project in their final semester. Each student defends a master's degree thesis at the end of the program.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
30 credit hours and a thesis
The master's degree in physics can emphasize either physics or physics in combination with other fields.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in physics or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. To be admitted to the master's degree program in physics without deficiencies, applicants should have adequate undergraduate preparation equivalent to an undergraduate major of 30 credit hours in physics and 20 credit hours in mathematics. Courses in analytic mechanics, electromagnetism and modern physics, including quantum mechanics, are particularly important.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency in the form of a TOEFL or equivalent score regardless of their current residency.
Financial support in the form of teaching or research assistantships is contingent upon satisfactory performance in coursework, timely completion of the final examination for the master's degree, and need and availability of such support.
Students on probation are offered financial support only under exceptional circumstances.
As professional physicists, graduates can advance the frontiers of physics by generating new knowledge in their subfield while working on the most challenging scientific problems at the forefront of human understanding. Physicists are valued for their analytical, technical and mathematical skills and find employment in a vast majority of employment sectors, including:
- academia
- engineering
- finance
- technology
Department of Physics
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PSF 470
physics.grad@asu.edu
480-965-3561
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
