Physics—Accelerated MS, MS, PhD

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.

Beyond Michigan Tech

Tyler Capek

Tyler Capek, 2018, Physics PhD
Awarded a research fellowship funded by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program.

Chad Brisbois

Chad Brisbois, 2018, Physics PhD 
Member of the Michigan Tech Gamma-ray Group, an institutional member of the HAWC collaboration in Mexico

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:

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:

Electives

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

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.