Master of Science in Physics
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Why Choose the Physics Program?
The Master of Science program, leading to the M.S. degree, gives you a broad base of fundamental theory and concentrated study in a particular area of specialization. This program is designed to attain a career in industry or government or to pursue further graduate studies. The Master of Science degree program has a thesis and a non-thesis track. The thesis track is a research-based master's program. The non-thesis track replaces research credits with additional coursework. Students with physics and engineering backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Academics and Curriculum
View the Master of Science in Physics program information and degree requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Admission
Applications should be submitted online through the College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies.
Additional information for international students can be found on the International Admissions website.
All applicants are required to submit
- Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. By the time of admission, students should hold a four-year B.S. or B.A (or its equivalent). If the degree is not in physics, the graduate studies committee may impose additional requirements.
Selections criteria and process
- Applicants with GPA above 3.0 will be interviewed by the admission committee. Well-qualified applicants with GPAs below 3.0 are welcome to contact our program directly.
- Applicants are expected to have documented undergraduate-level proficiency in the following subjects: Calculus, Vector Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Complex Variables, Calculus-Based Introductory Physics, Modern Physics, Analytical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Quantum Mechanics.
- Applicants with gaps in required undergraduate physics courses may be considered for admission with additional coursework.
- Exceptional candidates will be considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantship, at which point we will require Letters of Recommendation and a Statement of Purpose.
- International applicants are required to submit official scores from either:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum scores: TOEFL IBT - 79, Paper-based - 550 or IELTS - 6.0 band.
If an international student would like to be supported on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship or directly support teaching activities for the Department of Physics, they will also need to take and pass the Oral Proficiency Test (OPT) at Wright State. View the Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships policy.
Applicants may apply to start in the Fall Semester (August start) with most admission decisions made by May 1. First consideration will be given to applicants who apply by February 28.
Applicants admitted for the Fall Semester also may request a Summer Semester (May) start date.
Applicants may apply to start in the Spring Semester (January start) with admission decisions made by November 1. First consideration will be given to applicants who apply by September 30.
If you have any questions, please email physics@wright.edu.
Performance Standards
Graduate students in good standing in physics must maintain a cumulative average of 3.0. A grade of C is considered a minimum passing grade. Candidates whose average is below 3.0 after 12 hours of graduate work will be placed on probationary status; they will be removed from this status when an average of 3.0 is earned. Students whose average is below 3.0 after 18 hours of graduate work may be asked to withdraw from the program.
