MS Applied Physics
Advance your career at NAU’s Department of Applied Physics & Materials Science
Are you seeking employment in high-technology industries, at a national laboratory, or perhaps at a private research institute? Are you looking for a solid foundation of graduate-level scientific training in hands-on experimental research? If yes, our program may be right for you! We offer a two-year MS degree in Applied Physics that provides a strong core of essential research skills and prepares you for employment in high-tech industrial and research-based settings. Many of our former students have gone on to obtain competitive industrial positions at companies such as Raytheon, or have pursued further education at high-tier PhD programs throughout the world.
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Our program is specially designed to train students in cutting-edge laboratory and computational methods, and to fully develop students’ competencies in the use and design of modern instrumentation. Students will study application-based physics courses while also having a broad selection of cross-disciplinary electives such as chemistry, engineering, or mathematics. Students will write and orally defend an original thesis under the direction of one of our physics faculty members. We also have strong collaborative relationships with NAU’s Center for Bioengineering Innovation and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems.
Curriculum
This plan provides a strong core of applied physics as well as essential research skills, and prepares you for technical employment in high-technology industries, research institutes, or college teaching, as well as for further professional study in various fields of applied physics. This plan can be interdisciplinary, integrating a broad range of subject areas to enhance your opportunities for research, teaching, or careers in the private sector. There is a thesis option in General Physics and a specialization option in Teaching College Physics.
Admission requirements and procedures
To be considered for admission, students must complete and submit the online application form at NAU’s Office of Graduate and Professional Studies website. The required materials are:
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- A concise statement of purpose that includes a description of research interests, relevant experience, and career goals. You should also discuss why you are interested in our master’s program in particular.
- Three letters of reference to be submitted electronically within the online application process.
- An official transcript of your undergraduate work sent to the graduate college as described within the online application.
A GRE Advanced Test score in a physical science (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.) is recommended but not required.
Successful candidates typically have a bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field with a 3.0 GPA or above. Evaluation of applications for fall admission will begin after January 15th. Financial aid awardees in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships will be selected in April.
Financial aid
Each year the Department offers a number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships. These are paid positions that include salary, student health insurance, and a full tuition waiver. Typically each GTA has full responsibility for teaching and grading three laboratory sessions per semester; please be aware that university Graduate Assistants must be enrolled for a minimum of 9 hours each semester.
There may be some Research Assistantships (RAs) available for Master’s students, but availability is dependent upon your advisor’s resources.