2025-2026 Graduate Catalog Physics
311 Moulton Hall,
Campus Box 4560
(309) 438-8756
Chairperson: Daniel Holland
Programs Offered
M.S. in Physics.
Course Finder
Physics Program
Degree Offered: M.S.
The Master of Science (MS) in Physics is designed to offer a well-rounded education that would open doors to interesting, well-paying careers in industry, government, higher education, and non-profits.
This 30 credit hour degree program requires:
- 14-credit core courses: , , ,
- 6-credit electives: Two courses out of , , , , , , ,
- 4-credit research development and seminar: ,
- 6-credit thesis:
For the research development/thesis students are assigned a research advisor, and the students work closely with the adviser to complete a thesis based on original research. Upon completion of a written thesis, a final oral examination/thesis defense is required. A range of research projects in the areas of nanotechnology, electronic and photonic materials, quantum materials, biophysics, laser physics, quantum field theory, astrophysics, etc., are being offered.
In general, students admitted to the MS in Physics program should have completed coursework in science and math equivalent to that required for a B.S. degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Material Science & Engineering or equivalent.