Physics (M.S.)
M.S. Physics
Program Overview
A solid physics foundation combined with extensive, hands-on training in state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization facilities prepares students for careers in the local high-tech industry, science education or advanced studies. Students are engaged in research and gain superior graduate education with individual faculty attention and mentoring.
Course Work
Students complete a 30-hour thesis program focusing on research in experimental condensed matter physics, physics education or astronomy. Students may also opt for the 36-hour-non-thesis program. Both options require core courses and electives educating students in advanced physics through a rigorous curriculum that includes cutting-edge, hands-on training. Additionally, the thesis option includes a materials physics concentration, which offers an exceptional opportunity for research in nanotechnology and applied physics.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option Science minor required | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.S. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option Science minor required | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.S. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.S. | Concentration No concentration | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.S. | Concentration Materials Physics | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
Graduate students thrive in a dynamic and inclusive community where they conduct cutting-edge research that is both competitive and relevant with an emphasis on developing professional abilities such as teamwork, project organization, and presentation and technical writing skills.
Program Mission
The Department of Physics strives to provide an exciting, engaging, and rigorous educational environment that stresses relevant research, classroom learning, and extensive training to prepare students for careers in industry, education, or further research. With an emphasis on graduate research, the department has an effective curriculum that provides high-quality hands-on training in state-of-the-art research facilities. The department provides a meaningful educational experience facilitated by dedicated faculty who work closely with students. Most graduate students are supported as instructional or research assistants.
Career Options
Physics graduates are in high demand across the local and national high-tech and semiconductor industries and in K-14 physics education. Some graduates also pursue advanced degrees. Master’s degree graduates have the option to continue to an innovative, multidisciplinary Ph.D. program in materials science, engineering, and commercialization offered at Texas State University.
Program Faculty
Physics faculty are actively engaged in externally funded, competitive, interdisciplinary research in condensed matter physics, physics education and astronomy. Our students’ research has the potential to change the world. Federal, state and private organizations have supported this research with an especially strong emphasis on materials physics and nanotechnology with applications in semiconductor and oxide optoelectronic devices, solar cells and energy harvesting, astrophysics, and physics education research.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Yoichi Miyahara
yoichi.miyahara@txstate.edu
512.245.2131
Roy F. Mitte (RFM), Room 3240
Advisor Support
Dr. Blagoy Rangelov
b_r239@txstate.edu
512.245.2131
Roy F. Mitte (RFM), Room 3240
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen February 1 | International February 1 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen June 15 (*Flexible) | International June 1 |
Deadlines Spring - Priority | U.S. Citizen September 15 | International September 15 |
Deadlines Spring - Standard | U.S. Citizen October 15 (*Flexible) | International October 1 |
*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- Completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- minimum 3.0 GPA in junior and senior-level physics courses in modern physics, mathematical physics or equivalent, classical mechanics, electromagnetic field theory, and quantum mechanics.
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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GPA and GRE Requirement
If your physics GPA falls below the minimum requirement of 3.0, the official GRE scores (general test only) with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections will be required in order to be considered for conditional admission.* Our office will notify you via email should this situation occur.
*Conditional admission is not available to applicants who require "F" or "J" visas.
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Test Scores
GRE
- official GRE scores (general test only) not required unless your physics GPA is under 3.0.
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose
- three letters of recommendation
Review important information about documents.