Physics (M.S.)

M.S. Physics

Our program is designed to produce exceptional problem-solvers, equipped with the skills and knowledge to apply science to real-world applications.
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Program Overview

A solid physics foundation combined with extensive, hands-on training in state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization facilities prepares students for careers in the local high-tech industry, science education or advanced studies. Students are engaged in research and gain superior graduate education with individual faculty attention and mentoring.

Course Work

Students complete a 30-hour thesis program focusing on research in experimental condensed matter physics, physics education or astronomy. Students may also opt for the 36-hour-non-thesis program. Both options require core courses and electives educating students in advanced physics through a rigorous curriculum that includes cutting-edge, hands-on training. Additionally, the thesis option includes a materials physics concentration, which offers an exceptional opportunity for research in nanotechnology and applied physics.

DegreeConcentrationHoursThesis OptionMinor Option
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
Science minor required
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
Science minor required
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
Materials Physics
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor

What Our Alumni Say

“From engaging coursework to firsthand experience with industry standard equipment, Texas State's graduate physics program encouraged my professional growth as a scientist and provided the tools to confidently enter the materials science field.”

— Lauren Henderson, M.S. '22, Electroninks Inc.

Program Details

Graduate students thrive in a dynamic and inclusive community where they conduct cutting-edge research that is both competitive and relevant with an emphasis on developing professional abilities such as teamwork, project organization, and presentation and technical writing skills.

Program Mission

The Department of Physics strives to provide an exciting, engaging, and rigorous educational environment that stresses relevant research, classroom learning, and extensive training to prepare students for careers in industry, education, or further research. With an emphasis on graduate research, the department has an effective curriculum that provides high-quality hands-on training in state-of-the-art research facilities. The department provides a meaningful educational experience facilitated by dedicated faculty who work closely with students. Most graduate students are supported as instructional or research assistants.

Career Options

Physics graduates are in high demand across the local and national high-tech and semiconductor industries and in K-14 physics education. Some graduates also pursue advanced degrees. Master’s degree graduates have the option to continue to an innovative, multidisciplinary Ph.D. program in materials science, engineering, and commercialization offered at Texas State University.

Program Faculty

Physics faculty are actively engaged in externally funded, competitive, interdisciplinary research in condensed matter physics, physics education and astronomy. Our students’ research has the potential to change the world. Federal, state and private organizations have supported this research with an especially strong emphasis on materials physics and nanotechnology with applications in semiconductor and oxide optoelectronic devices, solar cells and energy harvesting, astrophysics, and physics education research.

Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Yoichi Miyahara
yoichi.miyahara@txstate.edu
512.245.2131
Roy F. Mitte (RFM), Room 3240

Advisor Support 
Dr. Blagoy Rangelov 
b_r239@txstate.edu 
512.245.2131 
Roy F. Mitte (RFM), Room 3240

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Application Deadlines

DeadlinesU.S. CitizenInternational
Deadlines
Fall - Priority
U.S. Citizen
February 1
International
February 1
Deadlines
Fall - Standard
U.S. Citizen
June 15 (*Flexible)
International
June 1
Deadlines
Spring - Priority
U.S. Citizen
September 15
International
September 15
Deadlines
Spring - Standard
U.S. Citizen
October 15 (*Flexible)
International
October 1

*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.

Funding Information
Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding.

Decision Timeline
This program reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.

  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee
      OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
    • minimum 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
    • minimum 3.0 GPA in junior and senior-level physics courses in modern physics, mathematical physics or equivalent, classical mechanics, electromagnetic field theory, and quantum mechanics. 

    You will be required to take leveling courses if you lack sufficient background course work. Any required leveling course work must be completed with grades of B or better prior to admission.

    If your physics GPA does not meet the minimum requirement, official GRE scores (general test only) are required. 

    Effective Fall 2024

    • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
    • a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
    • minimum 3.0 GPA in junior and senior-level physics courses in modern physics, mathematical physics or equivalent, classical mechanics, electromagnetic field theory, and quantum mechanics. 

    Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

  • If your physics GPA falls below the minimum requirement of 3.0, the official GRE scores (general test only) with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections will be required in order to be considered for conditional admission.* Our office will notify you via email should this situation occur.

    *Conditional admission is not available to applicants who require "F" or "J" visas.

  • GRE

    • official GRE scores (general test only) not required unless your physics GPA is under 3.0.

    Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

    Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
      • minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

    This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

    Review important information about official test scores.

    • resume/CV
    • statement of purpose
    • three letters of recommendation

    Review important information about documents.

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