MA & MS Program
Advance your knowledge of physics and astronomy through a graduate degree. NOTE: Students only seeking the MS or MA will not receive financial support from TCU.
Master of Art's
The MA degree requires 30 approved semester hours of graduate courses with a minimum
of 18 semester hours in physics and a knowledge of one foreign language. A thesis
and a minor are optional. An oral exam over the course work and thesis, if any, is
required.
Master of Science
The MS degree requires 30 approved semester hours with a thesis or 36 semester hours
without a thesis. Course requirements for the degree are: Quantum Mechanics I & II
(PHYS 60303, 60313), three courses from Classical Mechanics (PHYS 60203), Electrodynamics
I & II (PHYS 60403, 60413), Solid State Physics (PHYS 60503) or Statistical Physics
(PHYS 60603), plus a minimum of 6 additional semester hours in Physics. There is no
foreign language requirement. An oral exam over course work and thesis, if any, is
required.
Courses & Requirements
Applicants
The normal prerequisite for admission to the graduate program is the successful completion of a BS degree with a major in physics, astronomy or a closely related field with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The undergraduate course work is expected to include junior/senior level physics courses in mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics; mathematics courses through differential equations; and a course or experience in computer programming. Additional courses in mathematics including advanced calculus and linear algebra, and senior level physics courses such as modern optics, atomic and nuclear physics, or solid state physics are desirable. Students who do not have the equivalents of the above may take the courses at TCU prior to entering the graduate core courses.