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Extend Your Understanding of the Universe

Dive deeper into  organic semiconductor physics, solid-state physics, X-ray spectroscopy and surface physics.

Contemplate the origin and evolution of the universe with our Master of Science in Physics degree. Choose from three different tracks that meet your research interests and career goals. Our department offers sophisticated equipment for research in organic semiconductor physics, solid-state physics, X-ray spectroscopy and surface physics. In addition, the department is a member of the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA), which provides remote access to three 1-m class telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) in Arizona, Cerro Tololo International Observatory (CTIO) in Chile, and Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM) in the Canary Islands. The department also operates an observatory located 5 miles south of campus that provides hands-on and remote access to a 0.7-m telescope – the largest in northeast Texas.

Where It Is Offered Commerce
Duration 2 years
Foreign Language No foreign language credits required
Delivery Fully Online, Only Offered Online (100% Online)
Total Credit Hours 30 hours
Thesis Requirements Thesis and non-thesis options available
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Focus Your Passion

Our department offers three tracks at the graduate level to match your research interests and career goals. The thesis track is recommended for those pursuing doctoral programs. Discover which program works best for you.

Thesis

The Master of Science in Physics thesis track prepares you for industrial employment, college teaching or further graduate study. We recommend this program if you are interested in earning your doctorate. This face-to-face degree program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours, including two courses allotted to the thesis.

Physics Teaching Emphasis (Non-Thesis)

The fully online teaching emphasis is designed for physics educators who wish to teach at the community college level or dual enrollment courses. An undergraduate degree in physics is not required, but we suggest undergraduate courses in calculus-based physics, modern physics and mathematics through differential equations.

Applied Physics Emphasis (Non-Thesis)

Learn practical, hands-on physics with this face-to-face program offering. An applied physicist is a generalist who contributes in several different areas within a technology company. The 36-hour, non-thesis emphasis prepares you for careers in the scientific, engineering and programming industries.

View Full Curriculum
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SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A master’s DEGREE IN PHYSICS

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Career Readiness

The College of Science and Engineering is a gateway to in-demand STEM careers projected to make up a significant portion of the U.S. and global economy.

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Innovation and Discovery

Take on our mission to build a better Texas that is eager to compete in an interconnected world with creativity, ethical leadership and imagination. We don’t just discover the future, we make it.

Instructor giving a presentation to the class.
Accomplished Faculty

Shape an innovative framework with an award-winning faculty including four Regents Professors, a highly selective honor for exemplary contributions to their university, community and the State of Texas.

Students viewing stars with giant telescope.
Hands-on Research

Our faculty will help you tackle complex challenges and discover solutions with hands-on research in various fields.

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Faculty Spotlight

Photo of Robynne Lock holding a bicycle tired used for an experiment.

Robynne Lock, Ph.D.

I'm always trying to push forward my teaching and make sure the way I teach is grounded in literature and covering problems that need to be addressed.

More About Robynne

Kent Montgomery, Ph.D.

Having a room like the planetarium to teach in creates a wonderful learning environment. The students come in excited and ready to learn. The room helps to foster that.
More About Kent

Cheri Davis, Ed.D.

As director of the A&M-Commerce Planetarium and Observatory, my job is out of this world!
More About Cheri

Carlos Bertulani, Ph.D.

We give our students a space and work closely with them. There are pros to attending a smaller university; you don't just blend in.
More About Carlos
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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A master's degree in physics offers the opportunity to:

  • Take on advanced research in fields such as astrophysical hydrodynamics
  • Join a nuclear theory group that calculates the infusion reaction of neutron stars and supernova cores
  • Utilize well-equipped research laboratories and telescopes at A&M-Commerce
  • Benefit from access to three SARA space telescopes located around the world
Observatory Telescope
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Careers

Physics students can apply their in-depth knowledge in labs, research institutes and other related areas. Broaden your network and gain real-world experience with internships and career opportunities.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Physicists and Astronomers
$119,580
Biophysicists
$93,280

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

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Internship opportunities

Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Although not required for your degree, internships are an important part of your education experience. These are just a few of the companies that partner with Career Development and offer opportunities for A&M-Commerce physics students.

Ball logo
Center for Engineering MechanoBiology logo
National Instruments logo
NASA logo
Find an Internship
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What You Will Learn

Use your knowledge to develop new products and technologies while studying at A&M-Commerce. You’ll have access to our organic semiconductor physics laboratory, surface physics laboratory, campus observatory and research-grade telescopes. You’ll also benefit from our access to three 1-m telescopes through our membership in the SARA Telescope Consortium.

Courses to Prepare for Your Career

  • Core courses include advanced classical mechanics, mathematical methods in physics and quantum mechanics.
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Featured Courses

Classical Electromagnetic Theory PHYS 512

You will cover electrostatics, magneto-statics, multiple expansions, solution of boundary value problems, slowly varying currents, electromagnetic energy and momentum, Maxwell’s equations and applications.

Advanced Atomic Physics PHYS 523

You will study theoretical and applied aspects of atomic structure, with topics including atomic models, ionization phenomena, X-ray, X-ray diffraction and atomic collisions. Experimental investigations of atomic phenomena will be stressed.

Advanced Micro-Controller Electronics PHYS 552

You will learn embedded logic design and programming, with topics including micro-controller selection, peripheral interfacing, low and high-level programming languages, and microcontroller development tools.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog
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Student Organizations

Society of Physics Students

Our organization sponsors physics activities and provides opportunities to meet with researchers from other institutions. In addition, you will gain the opportunity to open your social network to like-minded individuals studying the same field.

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Graduate Program Cost

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.

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Financial Aid
Scholarships
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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs

Admission

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Master of Science in Physics :: Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Physics, MS” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Provisional Status

After you submit your application, you may be granted provisional status, which means you can enroll in one semester of courses. You will not be eligible for financial aid until you submit all of your documents and are accepted into the program.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Postal Alternative

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Letter of Recommendation

Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:

Postal Alternative

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Statement of Purpose

Describe any previous research or teaching experience, your academic interests, and career goals in 300-600 words.

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Lora Gibson Graduate Enrollment Specialist
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Master of Science in Physics :: Admissions Requirements, International

Deadlines

  • Fall admission consideration: June 1
  • Spring admission consideration: October 15
  • Summer admission consideration: March 15

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Physics, MS” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $75 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
Postal Alternative

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428

Transcript Evaluation

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Letter of Recommendation

Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:

Postal Alternative

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
2600 S. Neal St.
Commerce Texas 75428

Statement of Purpose

Describe any previous research or teaching experience, your academic interests and career goals in 300-600 words.

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

English Proficiency

You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.

Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce:

  • TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
  • IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
  • PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
  • Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)

*Scores must be less than two years old.

Official Sponsor Documents

Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted

  • Official sponsor statement
  • Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator

Step 3. Apply for Funding

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Lora Gibson Graduate Enrollment Specialist
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We are here to help!

Lora Gibson Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator
Kent Montgomery, Ph.D. Department Head and Associate Professor
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Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
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