Physics and Applied Physics

Physics and Applied Physics Master’s Non-Thesis

Master’s Non-Thesis in Applied Physics

The Master’s Non-thesis (MS-NT) degree in Applied Physics requires 30 credits of coursework, including 28 credits of coursework and 2 credits of seminar. At least 21 of the required 30 credits of coursework must be taken as a registered master’s degree student at Mines. The program will allow up to 7 credits of independent study coursework to count towards the MS-NT degree. Up to 9 credits of graduate courses may be transferred into the degree program, provided that those courses have not been used as credit toward a Bachelor’s degree. The student’s committee makes decisions on courses to be taken, transfer credit, and examines the student’s written report and oral presentation resulting from an independent study

Application Requirements

Physics and Applied Physics Master’s Thesis

Master’s Thesis in Applied Physics

The Master’s Thesis (MS-T) degree in Applied Physics requires 30 credits, including 18 credits of coursework in an approved program, 2 credits of seminar, plus 10 credits of research with a satisfactory thesis.

Application Requirements

Physics and Applied Physics Doctorate

Doctorate in Physics

The PhD degree in Physics requires 72 credits of coursework and research credits. A minimum of 32 credits of coursework in an approved program plus 40 credits of research, with a satisfactory thesis. 12 credits of coursework will be in a specialty topic area defined in consultation with the thesis advisor. Possible specialty topic areas within the Physics Department exist in Optical Science and Engineering, Condensed Matter Physics, Theoretical Physics, Renewable Energy Physics, and Nuclear/Particle Physics and Astrophysics.

To demonstrate adequate preparation for the PhD degree in Physics, each student must achieve a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the core courses.  Students not meeting this standard must pass oral examinations covering the relevant course content or retake the courses within one year.  This process is part of the requirement for admission to candidacy, which full-time PhD students must complete within two calendar years of admission.

Application Requirements

Physics and Applied Physics Certificates

Graduate Certificate in Optics for Engineering

The graduate certificate program in Optics for Engineering is targeted to train recent graduates or mid-career professionals with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical or mechanical engineering, or other related fields. The program will provide them with a basic knowledge of optics and lasers so they can apply it to the challenges and demands of advanced technologies that use optical systems. The interdisciplinary program offers students a number of electives to choose from and allows them to tailor their education to their interests.

The certificate option consists of one core class, plus two additional electives, for a total of 9 credit hours. PHGN461 is considered a prerequisite for this certificate but is offered online in the summer, allowing students to easily fulfill this requirement. Students who have taken the equivalent of PHGN461 at a different institution can request to have this prerequisite waived

Application Requirements