Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 University Catalog 
    
2017-2018 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, M.S.


(30 units)

Admission Requirements


Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must have: (1) a degree from an accredited college or university with a major in physics or a closely related field (students with majors other than physics may be admitted with deficiencies); and (2) a grade-point average of 2.75 for upper-division courses in the physics major. For students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, mathematics or other physical sciences, a GPA of 3.0 in upper-division major courses is required. Applicants are also required to: (1) take the physics portion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) either previously or within a year of application (the GRE requirement can be waived for physics majors who enter with a GPA of 3.6 or higher); (2) submit a one-page, 500-word maximum, typed statement of purpose, explaining the student’s interest in taking a higher degree in physics; and (3) submit three letters of recommendation.

International student applicants are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 213 for the paper test.

Additional 500-Level Requirements (6 units)


Electives (8-12 units)


Electives are chosen in consultation with the graduate adviser. Electives may be chosen from any 400- or 500-level physics course with the exception of any courses which were used to satisfy baccalaureate degree requirements. In cases where the research objectives or career goals are interdisciplinary in nature, courses may be chosen in other fields (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, engineering, biology, geological science, science/teacher education).

Project, Thesis or Comprehensive Exam (0-4 units)


Total (30 units)