Courses & Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

To earn their degree, students in the UW Master of Science in Physics program must complete core courses, elective courses at the 400-level or above, and a capstone/independent study project, for a total of 36 credits.

Of the 36 required credits, at least 18 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 18 credits must be numerically graded (not credit/no-credit).

Core Courses

The program includes a sequence of four core courses, which provide essential background for more advanced study. Students must take at least three of the core courses — but are encouraged to enroll in all four.

Below are the core courses, as well as the quarters they are offered.

PHYS 543: Electromagnetic Theory (autumn)
PHYS 540: Quantum Physics (winter)
PHYS 541: Applications of Quantum Physics (every other spring)
PHYS 544: Applications of Electromagnetic Theory (every other spring)

Electives

The program offers one elective each quarter. Here are examples of electives offered recently:

Atomic Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
Contemporary Optics
Nuclear Physics: Sources, Detectors & Safety
Numerical Methods for Physics Data Analysis
Physics of Lasers
Physics of Renewable Energy Sources
Quantum Computing
Radiation & Radiation Detectors

Students may also take daytime courses in physics or courses in other departments as electives, with permission of the faculty coordinator and the course instructor.

Capstone Project and Independent Study

At the end of their studies, students undertake a capstone/independent study project (PHYS 600) under the supervision of a faculty member. Learn more about the capstone project.

Besides the capstone project, you may take additional independent study credits, mentored by a faculty member, to explore research topics or pursue greater depth in areas of personal interest.

Independent study can be taken any quarter, including summer.