The Physics graduate program offers student-focused, diverse mentoring, flexible curriculum, research, and professional skill development.
Physics, M.S., Thesis Option
The standard program that leads to a 30-hour Master of Science degree. Offers an especially strong opportunity for thesis research in experimental solid state, materials physics, and physics education research.
Physics, M.S., Non-thesis Option
The 36-hour Master of Science degree program. This optional program requires six hours of course work in lieu of the thesis and six hours of additional course work in physics.
Research
Our graduate research covers materials physics and nanotechnology for optoelectronic devices, solar cells, and energy applications; Physics Education Research exploring embodied learning, discourse, and identity; and instrumentation development with theoretical and computational studies of material properties using DFT and effective-mass methods, focusing on semiconductors and oxides.
Director's Message
The graduate program in Physics Physics offers a student-centered, supportive environment with established practices in mentoring and engaging students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
We have designed a flexible but rigorous curriculum with the understanding that the path to an advanced degree is also an opportunity for intellectual growth and professional development. We offer advanced physics coursework and cutting-edge, hands-on training in materials physics and nanotechnology integrated into relevant research projects.
State-of-the art nanofabrication and characterization facilities are used for the parallel purposes of research and advanced training and prepare students for careers in the local high-tech industry, science education, doctoral programs, or teaching.
Our students develop professional skills such as collaboration and teamwork, project organization, presentation and technical writing through coursework and research with individualized faculty attention and mentoring.
Nikoleta Theodoropoulou
Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Program
Department of Physics