Applied Physics, Master of Science

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion	30
Additional Admission Requirements	Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship	Optional
Thesis	Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Comprehensive Exam	Comprehensive Exam may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Research	Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Progression Plan Link	View Program of Study

Student Learning Outcomes

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a two-year master's degree that provides a strong core of applied physics as well as essential research skills, and prepares students for employment in high-technology industries, research institutes, or college teaching as well as for further professional study in physics. The program is designed to train students in laboratory skills, providing them with computational and computer modeling expertise, developing their competencies in the use and design of modern instrumentation, and providing them with a basic foundation in physics. There are both thesis and coursework options in general physics and specialized training in teaching college physics.  These plans can be interdisciplinary, integrating a broad range of subject areas to enhance opportunities in research, teaching, or the private sector.
 
All students within the Applied Physics M.S. will achieve the following learning outcomes
 
Enhanced Understanding and Application of the Laws of Physics:

• apply the laws of physics in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, thermal physics and statistical physics at a level commensurate with current standards in M.S. level programs.

Written and Oral Communication Skills:

• clearly communicate and defend work in verbal, written, and visual formats to scientific and non-scientific audiences

Problem Solving Skills:

• ascertain the known and unknown aspects of a problem
• describe the fundamental physical principles in the problem
• articulate a pathway toward solving the problem
• successfully follow the path and solve the problem

Based on students’ personal and professional goals, students will select an emphasis area, the learning outcomes of which are below.
 
General Physics Thesis Emphasis
Design, pursue, and complete an original research project that contributes to, expands, or evaluates the field of physics.  Through the thesis experience students will:

• design with the guidance of a thesis advisor an original and significant research project on a topic in physics,
• conduct a literature review of the topic
• apply appropriate theories of physics and laboratory tools to the research project;
• analyze, interpret, and explain findings of the research project
• synthesize and present the relevance of the project in both technical and non-technical terms
• write a thesis
• clearly present  and defend the research project in front of a community of physics faculty and peers

General Physics Coursework Track
Through this coursework students will:

• study classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics at the M.S level.
• learn about a range of laboratory techniques in physics
• gain experience with computational methods in physics
• successfully pass an oral examination on topics in undergraduate and M.S. level physics classes

Teaching College Physics Emphasis
Through this internship students will:

• select coursework expanding conceptual and analytical experience
• develop techniques in teaching concepts of physics
• apply teaching techniques through an internship experience, and identify approaches to adapt curriculum plans based on students’ abilities

Additional Admission Requirements

• Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
  
  Admission requirements include the following:

  • Transcripts.
  • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

  
  Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
  
  Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

  International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

• • GRE® revised General Test

• • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement or essay

Master's Requirements

• Take the following 30 units:

  • PHY 520, PHY 530, PHY 540, PHY 545, PHY 550, PHY 560 (19 units)
  • PHY 698 (2 units)

• Emphasis Requirements (Select One):

• • General Physics - Thesis Emphasis (9 units)
    • PHY 685 (6 units)
    • PHY 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis Please be aware that you may only count 9 units of thesis credit toward your degree. However, you may end up taking more units because you must enroll for it each term while you are working on your thesis. (3 units)
    Please be aware that university Graduate Assistants must be enrolled for a minimum of nine hours each semester.
    
    

• • Teaching College Physics Emphasis (9 units)
    • PHY 500 (3 units)
    • PHY 608, during which you will teach lecture courses in introductory college physics, or similar activities, under supervision. (6 units)
    • A comprehensive oral exam
    Please be aware that university Graduate Assistants must be enrolled for a minimum of nine hours each semester.
    
    

• • General Physics Coursework Track (9 units)
    
    Students not enrolled in either of the above emphases will pursue the General Physics Coursework Track.

    • Electives in any science, mathematics, engineering, or other field that's appropriate to your career goals, chosen with your advisor's approval. These must be formal, graded coursework. Up to 6 units may be at the 400-level, and the remainder must be at the 500- or 600-level. (9 units)
    • A comprehensive oral exam
    Please be aware that university Graduate Assistants must be enrolled for a minimum of nine hours each semester.

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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