Accelerated Physics Degree

B.S. and M.S.

Accelerate your career by earning both a B.S. and M.S. in Physics in just five years.

Physics plays a central role in our understanding of the universe. UND’s accelerated B.S./M.S. program opens the door to an early start in this dynamic profession.

Program type:: Accelerated (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Format:: On Campus
Est. time to complete:: 5 years
Credit hours:: 125–145

Why earn an accelerated degree in physics?

Application Deadlines

Fall:: Aug. 15
Spring:: Dec. 15
Summer:: May 1

Students seeking the accelerated degree may apply to the School of Graduate Studies after completing 60 credits.

Graduate Application Deadlines

Fall:: April 15* | May 1
Spring:: Nov. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Mastering physics can lead you to exciting research careers in STEM. So why wait? At UND, you can earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years.

Here's how it works:

Start taking graduate courses at the beginning of your fourth year.
Embark on your thesis research as early as your junior year.
Graduate in five years with both a B.S. and an M.S.

Physics at UND is characterized by small classes and a collaborative approach. You'll work closely with acclaimed faculty on cutting-edge research on topics like solid-state physics, materials science, astrophysics and health physics, and you'll contribute to the field by writing an original thesis.

How the Accelerated Physics Program Works

If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student, apply to UND and your program. As a current student, connect with your advisor to make sure you stay on track for the combined or accelerated program. During your junior year, you can officially apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your undergraduate and graduate degree at the same time.

Accelerated Physics Degree at UND

Make use of advice and guidance of a team of faculty dedicated to your success.
Conduct in-depth research in areas such as dark energy, nanoscience and superconductivity.
Participate in extracurricular activities such as NASA-sponsored rocket competitions.
Enjoy access to state-of-the art research facilities at UND and at national and international research facilities.
Apply for any of the available physics-focused scholarships.
Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a graduate degree in physics?

147K

Median annual salary for physicists and astronomers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Anticipated job growth for physicists and astronomers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A master's degree in physics opens the door to just about any career, in science and beyond. For example:

Professional physics for high-tech companies, government laboratories or the defense sector
Teaching at the secondary or university level
Medical physics
Computer programming
Space exploration
Medicine
Patent law

UND Physics Graduates

Physics alumni have gone on to illustrious careers at places such as:

Kaiser Permanente
UND's Energy Environmental Research Center (EERC)
Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences
ORNL
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Hitachi High Technologies America
Altru Health System

Accelerated Physics Degree Courses

Best Accelerated Online Physics Degree

UND's physics degree consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#17 BEST COMBINED BS/MS PHYSICS DEGREE

Leader in Physics

UND student Vincent Ledvina has a YouTube channel with 150,000+ subscribers that is dedicated to Aurora and educational photography content.

Read Vincent's Story

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional opportunities.