Accelerated B.A./M.A. Degree in Physics

The M.S. degree in physics is available to physics majors only. The degree involves a combination of graduate courses and a research thesis. Departmental research is focused in experimental and theoretical studies of condensed matter including magnetism, STM imaging, low-dimensional metals, organic superconductivity, computational physics, biophysics, soft matter, the dynamics of first-order phase transitions, and the behavior of granular materials. Other research areas include energy technology and science education. In the senior year, students take two graduate-level physics courses that are approved by their faculty advisor and that are eligible for graduate credit toward the M.S. degree. Students must also prepare a written thesis, based on original research. Typically students will begin the research for their thesis no later than the fall of their senior year. Students conduct research working in close collaboration with faculty advisors and with doctoral students. On completion of the research, there is an oral defense of the research thesis.