updated: 4/18/2024, AG

• Students must complete 36 credits of work at the 400-level or above.
• Of the 36 credits, at least 18 credits must be at the 500-level or above.
• Of the 36 credits, at least 18 credits must be numerically graded (not credit/no-credit).
• Students must take at least 3 of 4 "core" courses (see below).
• Up to two elective courses may be taken in other Departments, with prior approval of the MS program faculty coordinator.
• In addition to coursework, a supervised independent study/research project is required (see below).
• A written report and a final oral presentation and exam on the study/research project are required (see below).
• Students must maintain satisfactory performance and progress toward completion of their graduate degree. A minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA is required for a graduate degree and for every quarter of course work.
• All degree requirements must be completed within six years.

For more detailed information on MS degree requirements see UW Graduate School's Graduate Degree Requirements.

Core Courses

The program includes a sequence of four "core" courses. They provide essential background for more advanced study. Students are required to take at least three of the core courses, but are encouraged to enroll in all four. Three core courses are offered every year.

Phys 543 - Electromagnetic Theory (Autumn)
Phys 540 - Quantum Physics (Winter)
Phys 544 - Applications of Electromagnetic Theory (alternate Spring terms)
Phys 541 - Applications of Quantum Physics (alternate Spring terms)

Final Independent Study/Research Project

Each student must complete a final independent study project under the supervision of a Physics (or adjunct) faculty member. The final project report serves in place of a formal master's thesis.

Students complete their independent study project by enrolling in Phys 600 (for typically 3 to 9 credits per quarter, corresponding to at least 2 hours of effort per week per credit) and working with one of the research groups in the Physics Department. They may also work in other departments on campus, or at their place of employment, subject to pre-approval by the MS Faculty Coordinator.

Begin looking for a suitable mentor as soon as you start taking classes. Browse research group websites on the Physics Department web page to identify faculty whose work is of interest to you, and contact the faculty member to discuss working with his/her group. Good MS projects usually involve applying your skills and training to help researchers complete a well-defined task within their project. Projects need not be original research, but should involve experimentation, analysis, or instrumentation related to a problem of current interest. If you choose a topic related to your workplace activities or using job-related facilities, it must not involve proprietary or classified information. Your final report is required to be a public document.

Final Examination Committee and Report

A written report, and a final oral presentation and oral exam on the study/research project are required.
Once the faculty mentor agrees that work is nearing completion, students should organize an exam committee. The final oral exam committee must consist of two faculty members, of whom at least one is a member of the UW Graduate Faculty.
There is no required format for the written report. Typically, it is formatted as a technical paper and ranges between 20-40 pages. Students will be helped with preparation and arrangements by their faculty supervisor.

Master's Degree Request

At least one month before the final exam date, the student must submit a Master's Degree Request,  and inform the MS program student advisor Catherine Provost of the planned exam date and the MS committee composition.  Students may reserve a room for their presentation and exam by contacting the Physics Department main office.

Students may apply for the MS degree only after all required courses and credits have been recorded, other than courses being taken the same quarter. Any Incomplete or X grades must be cleared before applying, unless the course is not needed to fulfill degree requirements.

For more detailed information on graduation procedures and dealines see UW Graduate School's Graduation Requirements.