plato.phy.ohiou.edu

MA in Physics and Astronomy

Program Overview:

The M.A. is an option reserved for special cases and usually involves substantial work in other fields.  Candidates must follow an approved program filed with the Departmental Graduate Committee and submit a scholarly paper based on these studies for approval by at least two readers. A candidate is required to earn at least 30 graduate credits in physics, astronomy, and approved electives.

Admissions Policy:

Students entering this degree program are normally expected to have successfully concluded undergraduate work in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, and should also possess a working knowledge of mathematics including calculus, ordinary differential equations, Fourier series, vector analysis, and the elements of partial differential equations. It is recommended that applicants take the Graduate Record Examination, including the advanced test for physics.

There are no specific deadlines, but most applications for financial aid are received by March 1 and most offers are made by April 15. Most students enter the physics program in the fall; although some add the preceding summer session. Entry during the academic year is possible although not generally encouraged. For all details concerning graduate programs, write to gradapp@phy.ohiou.edu.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: Students completing an M.A. in Physics and Astronomy typically pursue degrees in other fields or seek employment in a variety of areas.

MS in Physics and Astronomy 

Program Overview:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the Master of Science degree, which is achieved through a combination of research and course-work. The M.S. degree can be earned by submission of a research thesis with an oral examination and at least fourteen credit hours of graduate level lecture or laboratory courses in physics and astronomy. It can also be obtained under a non-thesis option that requires satisfactory completion of a faculty-approved project (of one to four credits), and the Department’s set of six core courses. The research activities of the department are broad. They currently include astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter and surface science, nanoscience, nuclear physics, and particle physics.  Both experimental and theoretical studies are in progress in these areas. Interdisciplinary and inter-departmental programs of study are also possible.

Admissions Policy:

Students entering this program are normally expected to have successfully concluded undergraduate work in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, and should also possess a working knowledge of mathematics including calculus, ordinary differential equations, Fourier series, vector analysis,and the elements of partial differential equations. It is recommended that applicants take the Graduate Record Examination, including the advanced test for physics.

There are no specific deadlines, but most applications for financial aid are received by March 1 and most offers are made by April 15. Most students enter the physics program in the fall; although some add the preceding summer session. Entry during the academic year is possible although not generally encouraged. For all details concerning graduate programs, write to gradapp@phy.ohiou.edu.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: Students achieving the M.S. in Physics and Astronomy can go on and pursue further graduate study in Physics and Astronomy, or in other fields. Past students who completed our M.S. degree have pursued a wide range of careers in industry, government employment, and teaching. Many of them are hired into positions that require high-level problem-solving skills, in technical support positions at federal agencies such as NASA, the US Patent Office, and the Department of Energy, as well as at private companies. The M.S. is the minimal professional qualification for most physicist/astrophysicist positions in the U.S.A.