Applied Physics (M.S.)

Program: Master of Science in Applied Physics (M.S.)
Department of Physics
College of Science

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306
Gang Wang, Chair

Mark Masters, Graduate Program Director

The Master of Science in Applied Physics (MSAP) is a program that advances students’ physics knowledge, sharpens their experimental and/or computational skills, develops their strength in building quantitative models and utilization of scientific tools in applied physics, and prepares students for a professional career or doctoral studies.

The MSAP program offers opportunities for research &/or courses in Opto-electronics, Materials science, and Acoustics. It is designed to be accessible to those with bachelor’s degrees in Physics and closely related fields, such as Math, Chemistry, or Engineering, and to be doable either full-time or part-time in evenings for those who work. We provide supportive, research-based pedagogy with a track record of success. The students will complete the program with experimental, computational, and analytical skills that allow them to apply their physics content knowledge to industrial problems.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, or a closely related field with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants must submit transcripts, statement of intent, and references.

Curriculum Requirements

The Master of Science in Applied Physics consists of at least 30 credit hours completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Transfer credits are subject to Purdue University Graduate School policies. A maximum of 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level with a grade of B- or higher may be used toward the degree. The required Capstone Project can be completed as a Thesis if the students wants a Thesis Degree, or for a course grade if the student prefers the Non-Thesis Degree option.

Required Core Courses

Successful completion of at least three of the following courses:

PHYS 51000 - Physical Mechanics Cr.3.
PHYS 51500 - Thermal And Statistical Physics Cr. 3.
PHYS 53000 - Electricity And Magnetism Cr.3.
PHYS 55000 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Cr. 3.

Research: Non-Thesis Degree

Required Capstone Credits: 6 to 9

PHYS 59000 - Reading And Research Cr. 3. (2 courses x 3 credits)
PHYS 59000 - Reading And Research Cr. 0-3 (optional)

Research: Thesis Degree

Required Capstone Credits: 6 to 9

PHYS 59000 - Reading And Research Cr. 0-3 (optional)
PHYS 69800 - Research MS Thesis (2 courses x 3 credits)

Electives

To reach the minimum of 30 credits toward graduation, the remaining credits may come from any combination of courses from Category 1 or Category 2 below:

CATEGORY 1:

Graduate courses offered by the Physics Department:
PHYS 51100 - Laser Physics Cr. 3.
PHYS 52000 - Mathematical Physics Cr. 3.
PHYS 52200 - Coherent Optics And Quantum Electronics Cr. 3.
PHYS 52400 - Physical Optics And Experimental Spectroscopy Cr. 4.
PHYS 53600 - Electronic Techniques For Research Cr. 4.
PHYS 54500 - Solid State Physics Cr. 3.
PHYS 57000 - Selected Topics In Physics Cr. 3.
CATEGORY 2:

Maximum of 9 other credits approved by the Physics Department Graduate Committee as a coherent Plan of Study.

Total Minimum Credits: 30

Student Responsibility

You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career. If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the Graduate Director.