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Programs

Physics (MS)

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Thesis Plan-30 credits
Alternate Plan Paper -34 credits

Program Requirements

Research/Methods Course(s)

Use of the library, electronic and machine shop practices, vacuum and cryogenic techniques, research interests of faculty.

Prerequisites:
none

Students will attend research seminars presented by faculty in the department, or speakers from other institutions. Students also make and critique presentations made by themselves and other students. May be repeated for credit. Spring

Prerequisites:
none

Restricted Electives

Choose 9 - 12 Credit(s).

Mathematical methods necessary for advanced study in physics. Topic include functions of complex variables, calculus or residues, integral transforms and special functions.

Prerequisites:
none

Variational calculus, Lagrangian mechanics, the motions of particles and rigid bodies, the dynamics of oscillating systems and Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Pre: PHYS 441 or equivalent

Prerequisites:
none

Bound state and scattering problems in one, two, and three dimensions. Approximation methods for stationary states. Time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. General formalism of quantum theory. Pre: PHYS 461 or equivalent

Prerequisites:
none

Electrostatics, magnetostatics, boundary-value problems, Green functions, time-varying fields, Maxwell equations, conservation laws. Pre: PHYS 448 or equivalent

Prerequisites:
none

Unrestricted Electives

Choose any CSET 500/600 level courses approved by the student's advisor.

Capstone Course

Prerequisites:
none

V

Prerequisites:
none

Student must be registered for a minimum of one credit of thesis or APP for every semester that they are working on their paper.

Policies

Admission

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, applicants must have an undergraduate degree in physics or a related field. Applicants must also provide the following:

  1. A one-page personal statement of career interests and goals.
  2. Two letters of recommendation from professors in colleges where the applicant did undergraduate study.
  3. For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 530 is required.

Financial Assistance

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a limited number of graduate teaching assistantship available. Preference is given to those with a good command of spoken English. For students whose native language is not English, a minimum of TOEFL score of 550 is required. Application materials can be obtained on the web page of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.

Physics MS Requirements

  1. A new graduate student is required to take a physics placement test prior to the start of their first semester of study.
  2. A graduate student should complete a Plan of Study during the first part of the second semester. This will require close . consultation between the student and the initial advisor.
  3. At least half of the credits applied to the degree must be earned in 600-level courses excluding thesis or alternate plan paper credits.
  4. A reading knowledge of a foreign language or a demonstrated ability in computer programming is required.
  5. All student must pass a written comprehensive examination. The comprehensive exam must be taken by the end of the second semester. A student cannot start their thesis research before passing the comprehensive written exam.
  6. An oral defense of thesis is required for thesis plan.

Degree
Master of Science

Major Credits
34

Total Credits
34

Locations
Mankato

Career Cluster
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

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