Applied Physics M.S.
Degree: Master of Science
https://www.towson.edu/fcsm/departments/physics/grad/applied/
Program Director: Dr. Rajeswari Kolagani
Phone: 410-704-3134
Email: rkolagani@towson.edu
Towson University’s Master of Science in Applied Physics is designed to prepare its graduates for leadership positions in a wide range of science and technology careers in industry and academics. The program has components designed for students who intend to embark on a career immediately upon graduation, as well as for those who are seeking to enhance their prospects for admission to doctoral programs. The program has been certified by the Council of Graduate Schools as a Professional Science Master’s program (PSM), a graduate degree that represents an innovation in response to the workforce needs in science and technology sectors. The program delivers a strong graduate education in applied physics, together with skills related to project management, team work, advanced communication and interdisciplinary problem solving. Additionally, thesis and non-thesis research courses are available for students who plan to pursue a doctoral program.
The physics content of the program aims to impart specialized knowledge in several areas of applied physics, while also emphasizing a broad set of skills which include laboratory techniques involving fabrication and characterization of advanced materials and devices, physical measurements employing advanced instrumentation, computational modeling and simulations, data analysis and laboratory automation. The program imparts knowledge and skills associated with teamwork, project management, communication and leadership through courses in project management and technical writing. In addition, there are internship and research components that allow students to acquire real-life problem-solving experience by working on site at technology enterprises or by participating in faculty-led research projects in applied physics.
Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s Program
Students may also earn an M.S. in Applied Physics through the Department of Physics accelerated bachelor’s and master’s program. Qualifying undergraduate students are screened into the accelerated BS-MS program in their junior or senior year. The accelerated program allows students to complete the master's degree in a shorter time frame by taking up to 9 units of graduate level courses as undergraduates, with these courses satisfying both the undergraduate and master's degree curriculum requirements. Prospective applicants should contact the program director for details.
Please see the Undergraduate Catalog for more information on the accelerated bachelor's-master's program.
Admission Requirements
Application deadlines and a full listing of materials required for admission can be found on the website.
Degree Requirements
The degree will require completion of a minimum of 37 total units of course work. Students with inadequate undergraduate preparation in physics may be required to take more than 37 units due to additional courses that may be needed to remedy deficiencies in undergraduate course work. 19 of the 37 units of course work will consist of the physics content courses, split between 10 units of core courses from Group A and 9 units of electives from Group B. Another 9 units are assigned for courses in Group C which belong to the ‘plus’ category. The remaining 9 units are distributed among the Group D courses that comprise of a research course, thesis, research project and/or internship.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: Core Courses | ||
| PHYS 685 | PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MASTERS SEMINAR | 1 |
| Select 9 units from the list below: | 9 | |
| INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS | ||
| SOLID STATE PHYSICS | ||
| LABORATORY TECHNIQUES AND INSTRUMENTATION | ||
| COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS | ||
| ASTROPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY | ||
| HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS | ||
| Group B: Electives | 9 | |
| A minimum of 9 units are required, of which at least 6 units must be from 600-level courses. | ||
| MODERN PHYSICS II | ||
| BASIC ELECTRONICS | ||
| DIGITAL ELECTRONICS | ||
| MECHANICS | ||
| THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETIC THEORY | ||
| ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM | ||
| NUCLEAR PHYSICS | ||
| OPTICS FUNDAMENTALS | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS | ||
| MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS | ||
| SPECTROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES | ||
| NANOTECHNOLOGY | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICS | ||
| Group C: 'Plus' Courses | 9 | |
A minimum of 9 units are required. Graduate Courses from other disciplines may be taken with advance permission. | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT | ||
| PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION | ||
| PROGRAM AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT | ||
ENCE 662 | Introduction to Project Management 1 | |
ENCE 688 | Global Project Management 1 | |
ENCE 665 | Management of Project Teams 1 | |
| APPLIED PHYSICS RESEARCH 2 | ||
| BUSINESS WRITING | ||
| TECHNICAL WRITING AND INFORMATION DESIGN | ||
| Group D: Thesis/Internship | 9 | |
| A minimum of 9 units are required. | ||
| APPLIED PHYSICS RESEARCH 2 | ||
| PHYSICS MASTER'S INTERNSHIP | ||
| MASTER'S RESEARCH PROJECT | ||
| PHYSICS THESIS | ||
or PHYS 898 | PHYSICS THESIS | |
| Total Units | 37 | |
- 1
These courses are offered online by the Department of Project Management at the Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, and are available to students enrolled in this program. Please inquire with the program director on processes to enroll and/or transfer the courses to the TU record.
- 2
It is recommended that a minimum of 3 units be taken as a group C course before taking additional units towards group D requirement.
Description of thesis and/or non-thesis option for graduate programs
Thesis
Subsequent to successful completion of a 3 unit research course, students will successfully complete 6 units of thesis under the supervision of a faculty member who will serve as the chair of the master’s thesis committee.
Research Practicum
Subsequent to successful completion of a 3 units research course, students will enroll in 6 units of research practicum which involves successful completion of a research project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Internship
Students will successfully complete 6 units of internship at an employer facility. The internship component will require the students to work on site at a potential work place for a total minimum duration of 300 hours. Students are expected to take the initiative in proactively seeking internship opportunities, utilizing available resources. The program faculty will assist students in finding internships whenever possible.
- Demonstrate content knowledge in areas of applied physics that are relevant to the current scientific and technology enterprises.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills for the measurement and control of physical variables as well as transduction of changes in these variables through physical phenomena.
- Demonstrate knowledge of using and/or developing computer models and simulations of physical phenomena and processes; acquire and analyze data from experiments.
- Acquire advanced skills related to scientific and technical communication and presentation in a variety of formats including seminars, project proposals, instruction documents etc. Design and deliver oral and written presentations employing scientific and professional formats such as technical seminars, project proposals and instructional documents using appropriate advanced technology and communication modes.