Thesis Option

The graduate credit requirement for the Master of Arts degree is 30 semester hours chosen in the following manner:

• PHYS 5500 - Quantum Mechanics I
      
• PHYS 5510 - Quantum Mechanics II
   
• PHYS 5710 - Advanced Classical Mechanics I
   
• PHYS 5720 - Electromagnetic Theory I
   
• PHYS 5950 - Master’s Thesis
    (6-hour thesis). The thesis must be submitted in the manuscript form prescribed by the American Institute of Physics.
• 12 semester hours chosen from physics or related fields, with permission of academic advisor and major professor.

Seminar in Current Literature or Colloquium

All physics graduate students must attend the department of physics’ colloquium each week during each long term/semester of full-time graduate study. Students may opt to earn credit for this requirement by enrolling in PHYS 5941 .

Examinations

An entrance interview concerning fundamental physics is required of all students. The results are used for advisory, placement and remedial purposes.

An oral presentation of the master’s thesis (PHYS 5950 ) is required. The thesis is accepted by the student’s advisory committee after an oral examination is successfully completed and the thesis is filed in the graduate dean’s office. Problems in lieu of thesis (PHYS 5920  and PHYS 5930 ) must be accepted by the student’s advisory committee; oral presentation is optional.