The Master of Science in Applied Physics program is an interdisciplinary program that offers students the opportunity to complete graduate studies in physics with a particular emphasis on applied research and technology development for the industry. The program is a formally recognized Professional Science Master's degree program, meaning that in addition to science courses, students are also required to take courses in management.
Tracks
The program in Applied Physics has two tracks, Materials Science / Nanotechnology and Optics/Optical Instrumentation, intended to develop the state's workforce in the established optics and materials science industries and the emerging nanotechnology sector. Our program is ideal for physics professionals and for those who wish to advance their careers in the field of Applied Physics.
Materials Science / Nanotechnology Track
This track focuses on the fundamentals of nanoscience and the characterization of nanomaterials. Students must complete a total of six credits for this track.
Optics / Optical Instrumentation Track
This track focuses on optics and detector physics, as well as interferometric methods in imaging and precision measurement. Students must complete a total of six credits for this track.
Learning Outcomes
The overall student learning outcomes for the graduate program in Applied Physics are:
- The student will develop broad knowledge of physics principles and their application to current technology problems.
- The student will develop detailed knowledge of current management practices.
- The student will develop expert knowledge in one of two focus areas: (a) Materials Science/Nanotechnology, or (b) Optics/Optical Instrumentation.
- The student will develop the skills needed to conduct research in their chosen focus area in either the industrial or academic setting.
Laboratories and Areas of Research
We have laboratories equipped with a range of instrumentation for research in a number of subfields of physics.
- Biomedical Imaging
- Nano-materials synthesis
- Materials characterization by atomic force scanning probe and electron microscopy, spectrophotometry, and custom apparatus for measurement of electrical and thermal transport properties (superconductors) at low temperatures
- Advanced sample preparation techniques for transmission and scanning electron microscopy
- Laser spectroscopy, interferometric, fiber optic, and other photonics studies
- Astronomical imaging and instrument development
- Computational modeling of exotic magnetic systems and other many-body events
- High-energy nuclear and particle physics
Careers
Graduates of the program are prepared to advance their careers in science, technology, industry, and education. Individuals are prepared to pursue positions in engineering, consulting, data analysis, materials science, optics, and related fields.
Typical Job Titles
- Research Scientist
- Materials Scientist
- Optical Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Computational Physicist