Physics Master's Program

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements into the MSc program are consistent with those specified by the UCCS Graduate School. These admission requirements of applicants are as follows:

• Submit two complete official transcripts of all previous graduate and undergraduate work
• Submit three letters of recommendation
• Make application directly to the physics department at UCCS
• Deadlines: July 1 for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, May 1st for summer semester

Admission Criteria

• Applicants with a BA or BS in physics or in a related area, such as chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering or mathematics, are natural candidates for graduate study in physics
• A BS or BA degree from a college or university of recognized standing, or work equivalent to that required for such a degree and equivalent to the degree given at this university
• Considerable course work in physics
• Sufficient mathematical background, i.e. at least two semesters of mathematics beyond the normal calculus sequence, such as differential equations and mathematical methods of physics
• Promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research
• Undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Students with an undergraduate grade point average of less than 3.0 but at or above 2.5, or students with an inadequate background, may be allowed into the program provisionally. This decision would be made by the UCCS Physics Graduate Student Committee. Provisional status would subsequently be removed and a student given regular standing after completion of nine hours of graduate courses with a 3.0 average (or better).

Transfer Student Requirement

Students who are transferring from other physics graduate programs must meet the minimum standards outlined above and, in addition, have a 3.0 average (or better) in all graduate work done previously. Full credit, up to nine hours (normally one semester of full-time course work), will be given for course work done previously, assuming the prior work is done at accredited institutions with approved programs. Course equivalency will be decided by the UCCS Physics Graduate Student Committee after interviewing the student and comparing textbooks, class notes, or any other helpful documentation.

Degree Requirements

• 30 hours of course work, either 24 credit hours of course work plus six hours of thesis work (the thesis option) or 30 credit hours of course work without a thesis (the non thesis option)
• Regular degree students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average each semester or summer term on all work taken, whether or not it is to be applied toward the advanced degree intended. Students who fail to maintain this standard of performance will be subject to suspension from the Graduate School
• Master's Comprehensive Exam is an exit oral exam that must be passed by all students. Students electing the thesis option may substitute an oral defense of their thesis. The committees for exit exams will consist of three members of the graduate faculty, one of whom is the student's advisor. The other two members will typically be from the physics department, but one may be selected from a related discipline such as electrical engineering, mathematics, computer science or chemistry

Degree Options

Thesis and Non-Thesis: For the thesis option, the student must take 24 credit hours. Thesis work is an additional six hours (three credits per semester) for a total of 30 credit hours. The non-thesis option requires 30 credit hours from the approved courses.

Concentration areas: In order to design a more specialized degree, students may concentrate their elective courses in areas outside of physics. Concentration areas could include space studies, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, geography, computer science, applied mathematics or other graduate disciplines. These concentration areas might be appropriate for students who have very well-defined career objectives which require a combination of physics with another discipline. Students should consult with the Physics graduate program advisor to establish a course sequence for the MSc degree.

Master of Sciences Physics Curriculum

Approved graduate courses include:

Note: Other courses may be substituted with the written approval of the graduate program advisor.

Information on this page is subject to change and is not official. Consult the UCCS Academic Catalog for official information.