The Master's degree program is provided with two options: Plan A, which includes completion of a Thesis, and the Plan B option which is satisfied without a Thesis. To a large extent, the Master's program is flexible and can be tailored to the needs of the individual student. Students who want a terminal Master's degree (with no intention of immediately continuing for a Ph.D.) are urged to select the Plan A Thesis option, as experience has shown that completion of a research project can expand the student's future employment opportunities. Students who intend to continue for the Ph.D. degree are usually encouraged to select the M.S. Plan B option.
The requirements of the Plan A option are: 24 hours of course work (12 at the 600 level), satisfactory performance on the Preliminary Examination, completion of the Thesis, and satisfactory performance on the final Oral Defense of the Thesis.
The requirements of the Plan B option are: 30 hours of course work (15 at the 600 level), satisfactory performance on the Preliminary Examination, and satisfactory performance on the final Oral Examination.
The core curriculum consists of one semester of advanced mechanics, two semesters of advanced electrodynamics, two semesters of quantum mechanics, one semester of statistical mechanics, and two semesters of mathematical physics. In addition, each student is expected to develop a knowledge in at least three of the five areas of introductory astrophysics, atomic, nuclear, particle and solid state physics.