Portland-State-University 2024-2025 Bulletin

Physics M.A./M.S.

Requirements

The program must be approved by the student’s adviser and must include a minimum of 45 graduate credits in science, including not fewer than 30 credits in physics. These 30 credits in physics must be in 500- or 600- level courses as follows for thesis and non-thesis options:

Thesis Option

Three of the following 600-level courses:

Ph 617Quantum Mechanics

4
Ph 624Classical Mechanics

4
Ph 631/ECE 635Electromagnetic Fields and Interactions

4
Ph 664Statistical Mechanics

4
And
Ph 507Seminar

3
Electives

24
Ph 503Thesis

6
Total Credit Hours:45

Non-Thesis Option

Three of the following 600-level courses:

Ph 617Quantum Mechanics

4
Ph 631/ECE 635Electromagnetic Fields and Interactions

4
Ph 624Classical Mechanics

4
Ph 664Statistical Mechanics

4
  
And
 
Ph 507Seminar

3
Electives

24
 
Ph 504Cooperative Education/Internship

6
or
Ph 506Special Projects

6
Total Credit Hours:45

Typically, a thesis involves research, Cooperative Education/ Internship involves relevant student experiences obtained in industry or government, and a project involves review of the literature in a certain area of physics. In all cases, a written report, a presentation, and final oral exam are required.