2026-2027 Course Catalog
Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/engineering/physics-ms/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/
for the degree of Master of Science in Physics
The Department of Physics offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Master of Science in Teaching Physics. The Department is actively developing a new paradigm for graduate physics education and research for the 21st century, aimed at enhancing interdisciplinary interactions and creating an integrated approach to educational and research training. Outstanding graduate research opportunities are available in many subdisciplines of physics, including condensed matter physics, high energy and nuclear physics, astrophysics, atomic physics, molecular and optical physics, complex systems, quantum information, biological physics, physics education research.
Students may select experimental, theoretical, or computational thesis projects. Multidisciplinary projects are especially encouraged, and, with the consent of other departments, students may earn master's degrees in areas such as materials science and engineering, or computer science, simultaneously with their PhD degrees in physics.
- optional concentrations:
- Computational Science and Engineering
for the degree of Master of Science in Physics
The M.S. degree is usually completed in 1.5 years of full-time study by students entering in full standing. Students entering with deficiencies may require up to two years to complete the degree requirements.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Degree Requirements and the Graduate College Handbook.
Requirements
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | Elective courses (subject to Other Requirements and Conditions below) | | 32 | | Total Hours | | 32 |
Other Requirements and Conditions
Grad Other Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other Requirements and Conditions may overlap | |
| A minimum of 12 500-level credit hours applied toward the degree. | |
| A minimum of 16 PHYS credit hours, with 8 at the 500 level. | |
| A maximum of 8 hours of PHYS 597 (or other individual study) may be applied toward the elective course work requirement. | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
for the degree of Master of Science in Physics
for the degree of Master of Science in Physics
Physics\ Department Head: Matthias Grosse Perdekamp\ Director of Graduate Studies: Lance Cooper\ Physics Department website\ 227 Loomis Lab, 1110 W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801\ (217) 333-3645\ Physics Graduate Office email\ Physics Department faculty
Grainger College of Engineering\ Grainger College of Engineering website
Admissions\ Physics Graduate Admissions & Requirements\ Graduate College Admissions & Requirements