The department offers programs leading to the Master of Science, Professional Science Masters in Applied and Industrial Physics, and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a major in physics. Prerequisites for admission to full graduate standing are 30 units of undergraduate work in physics. These will normally... Show Full Description

The department offers programs leading to the Master of Science, Professional Science Masters in Applied and Industrial Physics, and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a major in physics. Prerequisites for admission to full graduate standing are 30 units of undergraduate work in physics. These will normally include the following work beyond introductory physics: appropriate laboratory work; one semester each of mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics; two semesters of electricity and magnetism; and two semesters of modern physics including quantum mechanics. All applicants must submit scores on the general and advanced tests of the Graduate Record Examination. An advisor is assigned to each graduate student to help plan a program for the advanced degree. All students are required upon arrival to take a diagnostic Qualifying Examination.  This examination covers undergraduate physics only and the results will be used to help in determining an appropriate course of studies.

Master of Science: At least 15 of the required 30 units of graduate work must be in physics and must include 570a/b, 511 and 515a or the equivalent. Also, each student must satisfy one of the following options: (1) write a thesis (for which up to 6 units may be allowed) and pass an oral examination on the thesis; (2) take 21 of the 30 required graduate units in physics and pass a comprehensive final oral examination; (3) pass the written and oral parts of the comprehensive examination for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Professional Science Masters (PSM) in Applied and Industrial Physics: This degree is designed for students seeking careers in industry, commerce and government and requires completion of at least 36 units of graduate work including 6 units of internship and specialty business courses. For more information about this degree program, please visit: cos.arizona.edu/sloan.

Doctor of Philosophy: Each student must complete at least 36 units of graduate work in physics exclusive of the dissertation and the supporting (minor) work. Courses will be chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor. To assure breadth of knowledge in physics, the department requires that students select at least four courses, no more than one from any of the following eight areas: -classical mechanics and mathematical physics: 513, 697a, 696b -atomic molecular & optical physics: 535, 544 (Op.Sci), 642 (Op.Sci.), 648 (Op.Sci.) -solid state physics: 505, 560, 561, 562, 563 -quantum & particle physics: 579a, 579b, 581, 584a, 584b -nuclear physics: 551, 552 -astrophysics: 556, 571, 577, 582, 587, 589, 596b, 596f -experimental physics: 586, 685 -biophysics: 530, 603 The comprehensive examination will cover classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, relativity, statistical mechanics, experimental physics, quantum mechanics, modern physics, and questions on current developments. The courses 511, 515a-515b, 528, and 570a-570b represent the core areas covered in the examination and the level of understanding expected of the student. Information on methods of demonstrating proficiency may be obtained from the Department of Physics. Students intending to minor in physics (to supplement a major in another department) should consult the physics minor advisor early in their graduate work. Experimental research is conducted in the following areas: elementary particle physics, cosmic rays and space physics, solid state physics, atomic and molecular physics, nuclear physics, carbon dating, surface science, quantum optics, biophysics, and general relativity. Theoretical research is conducted in solid state physics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, elementary particles, field theory, general relativity, cosmology, astrophysics and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Prospective students should write to the department for information about specific research programs, the faculty involved, the facilities available, and the research and teaching assistantships or fellowship support which can be offered. It is the policy of the department to award financial aid in the form of teaching assistantships solely on the basis of the student's academic record and financial needs.