physics students students working on rocket assembly

Master’s in Physics

Master of Science (M.S.)

Advance your understanding of the most fundamental laws of nature, and build a rewarding career in physics, astrophysics and beyond.

Physics plays a central role in our understanding of the universe. A master’s in Physics opens the door to scientific discovery and any career you can imagine.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn a master's in physics?

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

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

When you study physics at UND, the universe is your classroom. The most fundamental of all the sciences, physics offers fascinating insights into how the world works.

The graduate program 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 and astrophysics, and you'll contribute to the field by writing an original thesis.

Through UND's master's in Physics, you'll gain:

  • Competency in graduate-level mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, theoretical methods, and more
  • In-depth research skills
  • Strong oral presentation skills
  • Experience in writing research papers
  • The analytical skills required to work as a professional physicist

UND's Master's in Physics

  • Participate in regularly scheduled Colloquia on select topics in physics and astronomy.

  • Conduct in-depth research in areas such as dark energy, condensed matter theory and superconductivity.

  • Participate in the NASA Student Launch as a member of the UND Rocket Team.

  • Enjoy access to research equipment including a four-anvil pressure cell, electron and X-ray diffraction equipment, and an AUGER electron spectrometer.

  • Apply to any of the available physics scholarships.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What can I do with a master's in physics?

147K

Median annual salary for physicists and astronomers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

8%

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 university level
  • Medical physics
  • Computer programming
  • Space exploration
  • Medicine
  • Patent law

Master's in Physics Jobs

Physics graduate students 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
  • Aaniiih Nakoda College

Master's in Physics Courses

PHYS 520. Cosmology. 3 Credits.

Cosmology is the study of the origin, structure, and evolution of the Universe. This graduate-level course will provide an overview of recent developments in cosmology, including; the Big Bang model, inflation, the cosmic microwave background, baryogenesis, the expanding universe, Hubble's constant and the distance scale, and dark energy. On demand.

PHYS 535. Solid State Physics. 3 Credits.

The crystal lattice, electron theory of metals and semiconductors, and transport phenomena in solids.

PHYS 509. Methods of Theoretical Physics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the mathematical methods currently used in physics.

PHYS 539. Quantum Mechanics. 3 Credits.

The Schroedinger equation, perturbation methods, and simple quantum mechanical systems.

PHYS 541. Theory Electricity Magnetism. 3 Credits.

Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electromagnetic waves.

PHYS 545. Analytical Mechanics. 3 Credits.

Variational methods. Lagrange's equations, oscillations, Hamilton equations, and special relativity.

Leaders in Physics

Explore physics through research, writing and analytics to make an impact in the field.

Explore More Options

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

Department Contact
Kanishka Marasinghe
Department Chair
P 701.777.3560
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