Prepare to pursue graduate studies or launch successful careers in national laboratories, research and industry.

MS in Physics Overview

The Master of Science in Physics program at UMass Lowell provides a strong foundation in theoretical, experimental and applied physics, preparing you for careers in industry, academia, research or advanced studies. Choose from two tracks: the General Option, which offers both thesis and non-thesis paths, or the Optical Sciences Option, which focuses on cutting-edge topics like lasers, fiber optics and electro-optical systems.

With access to over $10 million in annual research funding, you鈥檒l collaborate with world-class faculty on groundbreaking projects in areas like quantum computing, nanotechnology and space sciences.聽Whether you're preparing for doctoral studies or pursuing a career in national laboratories, industry or academia, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Note: The Physics department also offers an聽M.S. in Radiological Sciences and Protection听补苍诲听M.S. in Medical Physics.

Physics Curriculum

The M.S. in Physics is a 30-credit master's degree with a General or Optical Sciences option.

  • General Option, Thesis or Non-Thesis: Customize your studies by selecting courses across various physics disciplines, tailoring the program to your interests and career goals.
  • Optical Sciences Option:聽Designed for students who have completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree program in physics, engineering or other sciences, this terminal Master鈥檚 Program聽focuses on electro-optical phenomena, lasers, applications of optics to telecommunication and information processing, fiber optics and other optical materials and devices.聽

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the聽Academic Catalog.


Required Course
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.6070Mathematical Methods of Physics3
Total3

At least 4 elective courses must be chosen in consultation with the Academic Advising Committee out of courses acceptable for graduate credit, except PHYS.5530/40 and PHYS.5350/60.
Elective Courses (choose 4)
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.XXXXPhysics course listing3
Total12
Students must choose either Thesis Option or the Project Option.
Thesis Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7460Master's Thesis Research Physics3
Total6-12
Project Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7330Graduate Project - Physics3
Total3
All聽full-time聽candidates are required to register for Physics Colloquium,聽PHYS.7010/7020, and at least one Physics Seminar every semester. After attending the general Graduate Seminar,聽PHYS.7110/7120, for one year, students may elect to take one of the specialized seminars instead.

Up to total of 3 credits for colloquia/seminars can be counted towards a graduate degree.

For Students with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Required Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.6070Mathematical Methods of Physics3
PHYS.5390Electro-Optics3
PHYS.5770Solid State Electronic And Optoelectronic Devices3
Total9

For Students with Bachelor of Sciences in other Sciences or Engineering.
Required Course
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.5350Introduction to Quantum Mechanics3
Total3

Elective Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.5360Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II3
PHYS.5370Geometrical Optics3
PHYS.5380Physical Optics and Waves3
PHYS.5400Image Processing and Lab3
PHYS.5470Laser Physics and Applications3
PHYS.5720Solid State Physics3
PHYS.5780Integrated Optics: Wave Guides and Lasers3
EECE.5680Electro-Optics Design3
Total
Students must choose either Thesis Option or the Project Option.
Thesis Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7460Master's Thesis Research Physics3
Total6-12
Project Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7330Graduate Project - Physics3
Total3
All聽full-time聽candidates are required to register for Physics Colloquium,聽PHYS.7010/听PHYS.7020, and at least one Physics Seminar every semester. After attending the general Graduate Seminar,聽PHYS., for one year, students may elect to take one of the specialized seminars instead.

Up to total of 3 credits for colloquia/seminars can be counted towards a graduate degree.

Why study physics at UMass Lowell?

UMass Lowell physics professor demonstrates a string experiment while students observe.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty are leaders in their research areas and committed to quality interactions and mentoring of students.
A student wearing a lab coat and hat installs wires into equipment in a UMass Lowell lab.

Research Opportunities

With over $10 million annually in funded research, we are ranked among the top 50 programs in the United States for research and development expenditures by the National Science Foundation.聽
Two students wearing protective lab gear in a UMass Lowell physics lab.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Access advanced laboratories and equipment for hands-on learning.

Where Our Graduates Work

  • BAE Systems, Inc.
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Raytheon
  • Pfizer
  • Medtronic

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).聽Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit聽Financial Aid聽if you have questions about your eligibility.

Students currently enrolled as undergraduates in physics at UMass Lowell may elect to apply for admission to the BS/MS Program. Currently, three BS/MS programs are available: Physics, Optical Science, and Radiological Science. Junior or senior full-time physics majors with a grade point average of 3.000 or above are eligible to apply for admission to the program.

Learn more about our聽Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs.

Kennedy College of Sciences master鈥檚 and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report (required for some programs, waiver form available)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated.聽If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on 鈥淧rogram Materials鈥 to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.聽聽

Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants: All required documents must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by Feb. 15 to receive full consideration for Fall semester acceptance. Applications completed after this deadline will be considered for acceptance in the subsequent semester.

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will not need to apply via the application portal, Visit the page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications are only being accepted using the online process. Instructions are included in the online application link.

Tips for accessing and completing the online application:

  • Capitalize your proper name.
  • Once the form is submitted, changes can only be made by calling the Office of Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390.

app-fee 2. Application Fees

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or application fee waiver has been approved and delivered to the Office of Graduate Admissions.


3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation except Medical Physics applicants which requires three (3) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to submit three letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process, and that an automated request will be sent out after the completion of your application. Alternatively, you may use the graduate admissions recommendation form (pdf) to request letters of recommendations.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. Please use the recommendation form for these.

5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor鈥檚 degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Transcripts should be sent in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

UMass Lowell Graduate Admissions
GPS Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts that do not clearly indicate to the Office of Graduate Admissions that you have received a four-year bachelor鈥檚 degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree must be demonstrated before an application will be processed. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee at:

Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
P.O. Box 170116
Boston, MA 02117
Telephone: 617-338-7171
Fax: 617-338-7101


test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s) (waived for most programs)

If your program requires one or more test scores reports, request that the appropriate agency send an official test score report for the GRE or GMAT to the Office of Graduate Admissions. UMass Lowell鈥檚 school code is 3911.

These programs require official test scores:

  • MS Computer Science
  • Ph.D. Computer Science
  • Medical Physics
  • Radiological Sciences

Get more information about standardized tests.

Some master's programs will waive the test score requirements under certain conditions; further information is available on the GRE/GMAT/MAT Waiver Forms webpage.

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Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email:听
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu