Physics MS, PhD Degree Programs

Prepare yourself for a career in academia, industry, or research and development with an MS or PhD in physics from Michigan Tech. We are seeking highly motivated, inquisitive students with undergraduate majors in physics, materials science, mathematics, or engineering, who possess a strong interest in research.

Opportunities for Original Research

The National Science Foundation ranks the Department of Physics at Michigan Tech in the top 25 percent of PhD expenditures nationally. Current projects being conducted in the department include:

Chemical and biological sensors
Gamma-ray observations
Nonlinear Raman Spectroscopy
Parity-time symmetry in optics
Theory and modeling of single-electron transport devices
Nonreciprocal phenomena
Instrument development and environmental optics
Dielectric response of molecules under external electrostatic fields
Modeling molecular electronic devices
Modeling of materials
Time-resolved laser spectroscopy and nanofabrications
Controlled synthesis of 0-D, 1-D, and 2-D materials
Cloud physics

State-Of-The-Art Laboratory Facilities

The physics department boasts exceptional research labs and facilities. A recent $2.5 million renovation provided major upgrades in physics classroom technology, and a new $700,000 gift is enabling a major upgrade to physics research facilities. Physics hosts seven labs, ranging from computer labs with state-of-the-art software packages to atomic and molecular laser spectroscopy labs. Researchers also have access to other departments’ research labs, including scanning electron microscopy labs and other advanced characterization and fabrication facilities.

PhD Versus MS

The PhD program (regarded as the terminal degree within the field) consists of substantial graduate-level coursework combined with original research leading to significant contributions to the field of physics through publications in peer-reviewed journals. An MS in physics may be obtained while in pursuit of the PhD.

Both the MS and PhD programs build on a foundational set of six core courses plus additional electives. Well-prepared students will need a minimum of two years to complete their MS degree requirements while PhD students typically spend five years.

Accelerated MS Versus MS

An accelerated master's degree program is a way for students to begin work toward a master's degree while finishing their bachelor's, allowing completion with only one additional year of study. For an accelerated master's, you can double count 9 credit hours toward both your master's and bachelor's degrees. Undergraduate students may apply to the program after they achieve junior status. Those who graduated in Fall 2022 or later can apply up until six semesters (including summer) after they are awarded their bachelor's degrees.

Degree Requirements

Credit requirements, degree options, time limits, examinations, and other requirements vary by degree:

PhD Requirements, Physics

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

MS, Physics: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Physics: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Physics: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Accelerated MS, Physics

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Qualifying Exam

Students accepted into the Physics PhD program must take a written Qualifying (Comprehensive) Examination. The exam will be authored and administered by the physics department's qualifying exam committee and will cover three areas:

Classical mechanics (including introductory special relativity)
Electricity and magnetism
Quantum mechanics

Core Courses

Certain courses are considered foundational for all students seeking MS or PhD degrees in physics, irrespective of intended research specialty. The following required courses have been selected to provide a general physics education to act as a foundation for future study and a career in physics:

PH 5010 - Graduate Journal Club

Presentation and discussion of current issues in physics and recent research by departmental faculty and others. One credit in journal club is required for all graduate degrees in physics. Attendance is required in the physics department colloquium series.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PH 5110 - Classical Mechanics

Lagrangian methods, symmetries and conservation laws, variational formulation, small oscillations, Hamilton's equations, contact transformations, Poisson brackets, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, Lorentz-invariant formulation.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PH 5210 - Electrodynamics I

Electrostatics and magnetostatics, boundary value problems, multipoles, Maxwell's equations, time-dependent fields, propagating wave solutions, radiation.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 5320

PH 5310 - Statistical Mechanics

Ensembles, partition functions and distributions, thermodynamic potentials, quantum statistics, ideal and nonideal gases, interacting systems. Applications may include classical and quantum liquids, phase transitions and critical phenomena, correlation functions, linear response and transport theory, or other topics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PH 5320 - Mathematical Physics

Partial differential equations of physics, separation of variables, boundary value problems, Sturm-Liouville theory, Legendre and Bessel functions, inhomogeneous partial differential equations, Green's functions. Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms, complex variables, evaluation of integrals by contour integration, linear algebra, matrix methods with emphasis on numerical applications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PH 5410 - Quantum Mechanics I

Study of the postulates of quantum mechanics framed in Dirac notation, the Heisenberg uncertainty relations, simple problems in one dimension, the harmonic oscillator, the principles of quantum dynamics, rotational invariance and angular momentum, spherically symmetric potentials including the hydrogen atom, and spin.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Electives

In addition to core courses, at least two of the following courses are required for students seeking MS or PhD degrees in physics:

PH 4395 - Computer Simulation in Physics

Role of computer simulation in physics with emphasis on methodologies, data and error analysis, approximations, and potential pitfalls. Methodologies may include Monte Carlo simulation, molecular dynamics, and first-principles calculations for materials, astrophysics simulation, and biophysics simulations.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 3300 and PH 4390 and (PH 2400 or PH 3410)

PH 4620 - Galaxies and Cosmology

Topics cover the structure and dynamics of galaxies, highlighting the roles of stellar populations and the interstellar medium, as well as the role of dark matter. The course includes galaxy formation and evolution and introduces cosmology, covering the physics of the early universe, theoretical models, large-scale structure, and observational cosmology, with emphasis on how models are connected to observables to build confidence in our physical understanding of fundamental cosmic phenomena.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1600 and PH 2400 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

PH 4630 - High-Energy Astrophysics

This course examines the physics of cosmic particle acceleration, revealed through nonthermal radiative processes and particle astrophysics. Topics include compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes, and the extreme environments around them. The course may also explore gamma-ray instrumentation, multi-messenger methods (including high-energy photons, neutrinos, and gravitational waves)m and theoretical models that describe these extreme astrophysical environments.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2400 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

PH 5395 - Computer Simulation in Physics

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years

PH 5396 - Statistics, Data Mining and Machine Learning in Astronomy

The course focuses on modern problem solving in Astronomy and Astrophysics through statistical inference, machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques. Students will be presented with data sets and research problems in astrophysics and will learn how to formulate solutions.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 4390

PH 5411 - Quantum Mechanics II

Continuation of PH5410. Includes the study of symmetries and their consequences, the variational method, identical particles, the Hartree-Fock approximation time-independent perturbation theory, time-dependent perturbation theory, diatomic molecules with applications to H2+, many-body perturbation theory, and the Dirac equation.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 5410

PH 5510 - Theory of Solids

Free electron theory, Bloch's theorem, electronic band structure theory, Fermi surfaces, electron transport in metals and semiconductors. Lattice vibrations and phonons, other topics as time permits.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 5320 and PH 5410

PH 5520 - Materials Physics

Materials classification and structures; phase diagrams; lattice imperfections; quasiparticles; boundaries and interfaces; mechanical, electronic, optical, magnetic and superconducting properties of materials.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PH 5640 - Atmospheric Physics

Essential elements of atmospheric physics, including thermodynamics, aerosol and cloud physics, radiative transfer, and atmospheric fluid dynamics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2300 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

PH 5680 - Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Fundamental forces and conservation laws that govern fluid flow; applications to the atmosphere and ocean, including balanced flow (pressure gradient and Coriolis force), vorticity dynamics, turbulence, waves, and boundary layers.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2300 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

EE 5430 - Electronic Materials

A study of the physical principles of electronic materials, their applications in solid-state devices, and future trends in their development.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

EE 5460 - Solid State Devices

A study of the physical principles and evolution of solid-state devices, such as transistors: from conventional to novel types utilizing hetero-junctions and quantum effects; light emitting devices, semiconductor lasers; and displays of various types.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

EE 5520 - Fourier Optics

Analysis and modeling of diffraction effects on optical systems, emphasizing frequency-domain analytic and computational approaches. Presents wave propagation, imaging, and optical information processing applications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3190

For a complete listing of graduate courses available, visit the registrar's office.

Suggested Course Schedules - Accelerated Master's

Students in the accelerated master's program can choose the coursework, report, or thesis option. Suggested schedules for each option are below.

Careers in Physics

Graduates with an advanced degree in physics work in academia, industry, and at government laboratories. Past students and their employers include:

Jiang Lu, artificial intelligence/deep learning expert at FutureWei Technology in Seattle, WA
Michael Larsen, associate professor of physics at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC
Teresa Wilson, research scientist at the United States Naval Observatory, Washington DC.

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
GRE not required
No Additional Documents Accepted

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of at least 88 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Score of 6.5 overall

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadlines

Fall Semester: March 1, January 15 for international applicants

Spring Semester: October 1, September 1 for international applicants

Summer Semester: Please contact the Graduate Program Director

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

2 Letter of Recommendation from a prospective advisor
Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
Résumé/ Curriculum vitae
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Applied Physics
Physics

Degree Requirements and Timeline

For more information about departmental graduation requirements (for both the MS and PhD programs), please see Graduate Requirements. To prepare for arrival on campus and track items needed to complete in order to obtain a degree, see Degree Completion Timeline.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.