Physics (Master of Science)

Academic Program
Title
Master of Science
Title (short)
MS
Headline
Master of Science in Physics
Degree Type
Location/Availability/Method
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Areas of Interest
Intro Text
Further your understanding of everything around you and how things function through Creighton University’s Master of Science in Physics. Coursework applies to a variety of careers and academic pursuits, and can be customized to your own educational and career goals—whether that’s earning a doctoral degree, a career in secondary or post-secondary education, or a wide variety of roles in research, engineering, data analytics, material science and more.
Description

No matter your interests, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts in their research fields. Our faculty bring a broad wealth of knowledge to the program and are actively engaged in research in various fields such as astrophysics, quantum computing, nuclear physics, alternative energy, medical physics, material science, biophysics, and biomedical optics.

Invest in yourself

An advanced degree is a big investment of your time and money. Creighton makes sure every credit hour is worth it, preparing you for future academic and professional success. It may not take as long as you think—Creighton’s physics graduate program can be completed in two years by full-time students. Most classes can be scheduled to accommodate working students who wish to complete the program on a part-time basis.

Fellowships can ease the financial burden of pursuing a graduate degree. Research and teaching fellowships are awarded to some students in Creighton’s master’s program in physics each year. Those selected receive a cash stipend and full remission of tuition during their fellowship.

Entering consideration for a teaching or research fellowship is as easy as applying to Creighton. Once you submit your graduate school application, you’re automatically considered for a teaching or research fellowship.

Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Official transcripts from all educational institutions attended
  • Personal statement
  • Previous coursework in mechanics, electromagnetism, physics, mathematics, and modern physics
  • GRE score (use school code 6121)
  • Application
  • $50 application fee
Application Deadlines

FOR AUGUST ENROLLMENT
August 1

FOR JANUARY ENROLLMENT
December 1

Admissions Representative
Details

PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Goals and Curriculum

The MS in Physics is ideal for those pursuing a career in physics, including education, academic research, engineering, data analytics, insurance, material science and various other technical fields. It also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree.

To earn this physics degree, you must complete 30-33 credits:

  • Required Courses
    • Classical Mechanics
    • Electromagnetic Theory
    • Quantum Mechanics I
    • Statistical Mechanics
  • Graduate Seminar

Students can choose between a thesis option and a non-thesis option.

  • Thesis Option
    • 8 credits of elective courses
    • Master’s thesis: Students select a thesis advisor, develop a plan of study, and work with a thesis committee to complete this option. After a student and thesis advisor defines the research project, the thesis committee reviews progress, reads and approves the final thesis, and administers the final oral defense.
  • Non-Thesis Option
    • 17 credits of elective courses

View all courses for this program

Faculty in the MS in Physics program are experts in a variety of fields and have published a wide breadth of research. They are more than teachers, acting as advisors and mentors throughout your graduate school journey to help you reach your academic and personal goals.

Meet the program faculty

Specific Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS in Physics program, applicants must:

  • Complete an application and submit a $50 application fee
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Include coursework in mechanics, electromagnetism, physics, mathematics, and modern physics
  • Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended. Read more about sending transcripts here
  • Provide a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score—use code 6121 for this program
  • Submit a personal statement: 300-500 words that explains why you’re interested in Creighton and this program in particular, as well as what you plan to do with your degree

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

International students are welcomed into this program and F-1 visas will be supported upon admission.

International applicants must:

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more details.

Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded to students in Creighton’s Master of Science in Physics program each year. All applicants for this program are automatically considered for a teaching or research fellowship. No additional application is required.

Graduate fellows receive full tuition remission and a cash stipend. Tuition remission is also extended to fellows in the summer sessions adjoining the fellowship year. Teaching and research fellows are required to provide the equivalent of 18 hours per week of service. Fellows must take a minimum of 8 credit hours per semester.

Award recipients are normally notified with the offer of admission. Fellowship appointments may be renewed for a second year upon recommendation of the department.

Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships and fellowships.

Learn more about funding your education

Still have questions? Email or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have. 

Dates AND Deadlines

The tables below detail the enrollment deadlines and starting dates of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an enrollment specialist for personalized assistance.

ON-CAMPUS

Start Classes In

Apply By

August

August 1

January

December 1

International students should apply three months before the application deadline. Fellowships are offered to qualified applicants as soon as the application is reviewed, so it is recommended that applications be completed ahead of the deadline (May 1 for August start, or September 1 for January start).

Apply Now

Tuition and Financial Aid

Learn about how to fund your investment in education at the Creighton Financial Aid Office.

Funding Your Education

School/College/Department
Websites
Graduate School (https://gradschool.creighton.edu)/programs/masters-degrees/natural-science/physics