Physics—MS and PhD

Physics MS Requirements
Physics PhD Requirements

Our graduate programs provide a rigorous foundation with specialized concentrations in Materials and Solid-State Physics, Optics, and Astrophysics. Our curriculum is designed for collaboration; research areas overlap significantly, allowing students to customize their education with courses across disciplines.

Research Concentrations

  • Materials and Solid-State Physics:
    Explore the classical and quantum properties of condensed matter. Key research areas include solid-state physics, surface physics, and polymer physics.
  • Optics:
    Study the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. Research focuses on optical and infrared spectroscopy, nonlinear and quantum optics, quantum computing, light scattering, and atmospheric optics.
  • Astrophysics:
    Analyze high-energy observations and the fundamental processes behind galaxy formation.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Our program thrives on partnerships across the university and the region:

  • Campus Collaboration: Both the Optics and Materials areas link directly to research in UMBC’s departments of Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • NASA Partnership: The Astrophysics program maintains a strong, active link to the world-class facilities at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).
  • Professional Networking: Students regularly interact with faculty and peers across departments and within local government laboratories, building a broad professional network.

Admissions and Application Requirements

Admission to the Physics MS and PhD programs is competitive. Applications are reviewed by an Admissions Committee of Physics faculty, with the number of open admission slots varying each year based on faculty and financial resources.

To be considered for the program, applicants must submit:

  • Undergraduate Transcripts
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement of Purpose
  • Statement on Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

Important: GRE Policy
The UMBC Department of Physics is not collecting or reviewing GRE test scores at this time. If you report these scores, or any other information not requested in the application, they will not be taken into account during your evaluation.

Financial Support

All full-time PhD students receive 12-month support through Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, or Research Fellowships.

Your support package includes:

  • Competitive Stipend: For living expenses.
  • Full Tuition Coverage: Your credits are fully funded.
  • Health Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

PHYS Master of Science (MS)

Students may choose between a thesis or non-thesis track to earn their MS in Physics.

General Requirements

  • Minimum Credits: 30 total credit hours.
  • Level Requirement: At least 18 credits must be at the 600-level or higher.
  • Core Curriculum: Students must pass the following with a grade of “B–” or higher:
    • PHYS 605 Mathematical Physics (3 credits)
    • Either PHYS 601 Quantum Mechanics I or PHYS 424 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 credits); Note: PHYS 424 must be taken for graduate-level credit.
    • Two semesters of PHYS 698 Physics Seminar (1 credit each).

Thesis Option

  • 16 additional credits of approved lecture coursework.
  • A minimum of 6 credits of PHYS 799 Master’s Thesis Research.
  • A written thesis and defense before an Examination Committee.

Non-Thesis Option

  • 22 additional credits of approved lecture coursework.
  • A scholarly paper.
  • A passing score on the written Qualifying Exam at the MS level (to be completed within the first two years).

 

PHYS Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Course Requirements

The PhD degree requires a minimum of 52 credits. Each of the 7 core courses must be passed with a grade of “B–” or higher.

  • Core Courses:
    • PHYS 601 Classical Mechanics
    • PHYS 602 Statistical Mechanics
    • PHYS 605 Mathematical Physics
    • PHYS 606 Quantum Mechanics I
    • PHYS 607 Quantum Mechanics II
    • PHYS 701 Classical Electricity and Magnetism I
    • PHYS 707 Classical Electricity and Magnetism II
  • Seminar & Professional Skills:
    • PHYS 690 Professional Techniques in Physics (1 credit)
    • PHYS 698 Physics Seminar (3 semesters, 1 credit each)
  • Electives & Research:
    • Three Graduate Elective Courses (3 credits each)
    • PHYS 899 Doctoral Research (Minimum of 2 semesters, 9 credits each)

Milestones to Candidacy

  1. Qualifying Examination: Students must demonstrate mastery of fundamental physics via a written exam consisting of four sections: Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism.
    • Timing: Offered every January and August.
    • Deadline: All four sections must be passed by the start of the 4th semester.
    • Note: Sections are graded separately; students only need to repeat specific sections they have not yet passed.
  2. Preliminary PhD Committee: By the end of the 5th semester, students must secure a tenure-track Physics faculty member as their PhD Research Advisor. In consultation with their Advisor, the student forms a committee consisting of the advisor and two additional Physics faculty members. At least two members of this committee must be tenure-track faculty.
  3. PhD Research Proposal: Students present a two-part proposal to their Preliminary Committee: a formal written document and an oral presentation.
  4. Admission to Candidacy:
    After completing all required coursework (excluding PHYS 899), passing the Qualifying Examination, and successfully presenting the Research Proposal, a student becomes eligible for PhD Candidacy.

    • Faculty Review: Based on the recommendation of the Preliminary PhD Committee, the full Department of Physics faculty will vote on the student’s admission to candidacy.
    • Formal Recommendation: Following a positive departmental vote, a formal recommendation is submitted to the Graduate School to officially admit the student to PhD Candidacy.
    • Timeline: Students must be voted into Candidacy by the start of their 4th year in the program.

Dissertation and Defense

  • Doctoral Research: After reaching candidacy, students focus on their original research, culminating in a PhD Dissertation.
  • The Final Defense: Students must defend their dissertation before a Final PhD Committee. In accordance with Graduate School policy, the Chair of this committee must be a tenure-track member of the Physics Department.