Applied Physics, MS

Degree Requirements

The MS in applied physics is a 34-credit program. Each student must complete seven courses, as follows: three one-semester laboratory courses, three one-semester theoretical courses, and one elective course, also in applied physics, to be chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, totaling, at 4 credits each, 28 credits. In addition students must undertake either an internship at an off-campus research laboratory or an on-campus thesis project, either of which, when successfully completed, will earn 6 credits. In exceptional cases, with prior approval of the program, a student may graduate with nine courses (substituting two additional courses for the internship or thesis requirement). These courses must be chosen as a coherent subject of specialization in an applied area of special interest to the student.

500-level courses will not count toward degree requirements in applied physics. They are graduate courses developed for high school teachers and count for MEd requirements.

MEd courses

The Physics Department provides two classes specifically for science teachers. These may be taken by themselves, or as part of the MEd degree at UMass Boston.

• PHYSIC 571 Integrated Mathematics and Physical Science for Teachers
• PHYSIC 572 Integrating the Sciences through Energy

Admission Requirements

The department’s goal is to open the field of physics and its applications to as broad a spectrum of students as possible. We schedule the majority of our courses so as to make them available to students who have fulltime employment. We also consider for admission any student with sufficient quantitative skills to be successful in the program, regardless of their previous fields of study.

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions ” section of this publication.

An applicant for admission to the Graduate Program in Applied Physics should present adequate evidence of his or her preparation and ability to do graduate work. Normally a bachelor’s degree with a major in physics is required, though in certain instances other equivalent preparation may be acceptable. For applicants currently or recently in college, the three letters of recommendation should come from professors in the field of physics or in closely related fields. For an applicant who has been working in an industrial or scientific research laboratory for several years, it may be more valuable to seek one or more of the letters from senior scientists who are familiar with the applicant’s work. It is also recommended, but not required, that an applicant plan a visit to the department for informal contacts with the faculty and to become acquainted with the research facilities. GRE scores are not required, but applicants, particularly international applicants, are encouraged to submit scores.