Physics / Master of Science
Overview
The Master of Science in Physics is designed to offer a multifaceted approach in preparing graduates for careers in higher education, industry, professional management, government, and other agencies associated with physics. This program incorporates the moral and ethical dimensions of decision-making and interpersonal relations in all coursework. The program will ensure that students, in their roles as leaders in this critical field, understand the importance of integrity, fairness, and respect for diverse cultural traditions. Courses are taught in a sixteen-week format and are scheduled so that students can take at least two or three courses each semester, including two in the summer.
Full Admission
All candidates for admission must possess a bachelor’s degree in Physics from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education or in a major in a related field. Individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated area but have work experience in industries related to physics may also apply. The applicant’s overall undergraduate GPA must be 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. In special cases, the GPA may be calculated on the most recent 60 semester hours of coursework.
Additionally, applicants must submit:
1. A completed application, accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee.
2. Academic transcripts from each institution of higher education attended.
3. A one-to-two page personal statement describing the applicant’s background and how the degree relates to the applicant’s career goals.
4. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s likely success in the program.
Completed application materials will be reviewed by the Graduate Council of the College of Aviation, Science, and Technology. The Council has the final say in graduate admissions. After Graduate Council review, the applicant will be informed in writing of its decision.
Provisional Admission
Under certain circumstances, students who do not meet the GPA requirement (GPA below 3.0, but above 2.5) for full admission may request to be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. Provisionally-admitted students must complete the first 9 semester hours of graduate study with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. After 9 hours of completed coursework, a provisionally-accepted student’s application will be reviewed again for full admission. This decision will be made by the Graduate Program Director in consultation with the Graduate Council of the College of Aviation, Science, and Technology.
Student-at-Large
A student-at-large is not a degree candidate. In order to be admitted as a student-at-large, the applicant must submit official documentation of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education and complete a modified application form. The decision to admit an at-large student to graduate courses belongs to the Graduate Program Director, whose decision is based on an evaluation of the applicant’s undergraduate coursework and possibly an interview. However, should the student decide to apply for full admission status at a later time, but within 5 years of course completion, only a maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework completed as a student-at-large can be applied toward an advanced degree, and only courses with grades of B or better will count toward the degree.
Transfer of Graduate Credit
1. A maximum of 6 semester hours of graduate level work earned at an accredited institution of higher education will be accepted toward a Master of Science degree in Physics. Only courses in which the student received a grade of B or higher will transfer to Lewis University. Prior coursework should be current and must have been completed within the last 5 years.
2. All graduate transfer credits must be documented and approved before full admission into the program will be granted. In approving a request to transfer credit from another institution, the Graduate Program Director may, at his or her discretion, require that the student pass a proficiency examination for the corresponding Lewis University course.
3. Courses from outside the United States will be considered if they are evaluated as graduate level by the Office of Admission or the Commission on Accreditation of the American Council on Education.
4. Credit for prior learning is not awarded for graduate courses.
International Students
International students are required to meet all the admission requirements for full or provisional admission and also the admission requirements specified in the General Information section of this Catalog entitled "Entering International Students."
Good Academic Standing
See Good Academic Standing.
Academic Probation and Dismissal
See Academic Probation and Dismissal.
Enrollment of Undergraduates in Graduate Courses
See Undergraduate Students Enrolling in Graduate Courses.
Time Limitation for Completing the Program
A student must complete all graduation requirements within 7 years from completion of the first graduate course taken at Lewis University. Students remain under the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of matriculation unless they discontinue attendance for two consecutive years or more, in which case they will follow the catalog in effect upon their return.
Graduation Requirements
The Master of Science in Physics curriculum consists of a total of 30 credit hours. Within these 30 credits are a required Core of 12 hours, Skills and Research requirements of 9 hours (including a thesis of 6 hours), and Electives of 9 hours. To graduate from the program, the student must complete 30 hours of credit and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Comprehensive Examination
There is no comprehensive examination in this program.
Thesis Option
Culminating Experience: The Thesis
In order to fulfill the requirement of a culminating experience, the student must write and submit an acceptable thesis. Acceptable research methods which fulfill the thesis option include quantitative, qualitative, experimental, quasi-experimental, and case study approaches. The thesis must demonstrate a knowledge of physics in depth and breadth appropriate for an applicant to a doctoral program.
Non-Thesis Option
Culminating Experience: Capstone Experience
In order to fulfill the requirement of a culminating experience, the student must conduct a Capstone Experience, write a Capstone paper, and give a Capstone presentation, unless some other method of dissemination is approved by the Capstone advisor and the Graduate Program Director. The Capstone Experience may be a one to two semester research project or it may be some other kind of approved high impact experience like a significant community service or outreach project, an interdisciplinary project, or an approved internship.
Degree Requirements
Degree Offered: Master of Science
Total Credit Hours: 30
Program: MS-PHYS-1
I. Core Courses (12)
Complete the following course:
If the student enters the program with adequate preparation in quantum mechanics as determined by the graduate program director, PHYS 54200, PHYS 54300, or PHYS 64000 may be substituted for PHYS 54100.
Choose three of the following courses:
Thesis Option
II. Skills and Research (9)
Complete the following courses:
| PHYS-59600 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| PHYS-69800 | Master's Thesis | 1-6 |
-
| (multiple enrollments for a total of 6 credit hours) | |
Choose two of the following:
| PHYS-59700 | Applied Data Analysis and Visualization in the Physical Sciences | 1 |
| CHEM-59800 | Topical Seminar in Experimental Techniques | 1 |
| PHYS-69600 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
Final Defense Seminar Required
III. Electives (9)
Any 50000- or 60000-level Physics courses not used to fill a Core or Skills requirement may be used to fulfill the Electives requirement. PHYS 680XX Special Topics and PHYS 68500 Readings in Physics may be repeated for credit for different topics. Up to 6 hours of graduate coursework in other related disciplines may be chosen with the approval of Advisor and Graduate Program Director.
Non-Thesis Option
Concentration: PHNT
II. Skills and Capstone (6)
Complete the following courses:
| PHYS-59600 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| PHYS-69500 | Graduate Capstone | 1-3 |
-
| (multiple enrollments for a total of 3 credit hours) | |
A student who starts in the thesis track and switches to the non-thesis track may substitute up to two credit hours of PHYS 69800 Master's Thesis for PHYS 69500 Graduate Capstone.
Choose two of the following:
| PHYS-59700 | Applied Data Analysis and Visualization in the Physical Sciences | 1 |
| CHEM-59800 | Topical Seminar in Experimental Techniques | 1 |
| PHYS-69600 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
III. Electives (12)
Any 50000- or 60000-level Physics courses not used to fill a Core or Skills requirement may be used to fulfill the Electives requirement. PHYS 680XX Special Topics and PHYS 68500 Readings in Physics may be repeated for credit for different topics. Up to 6 hours of graduate coursework in other related disciplines may be chosen with the approval of Advisor and Graduate Program Director.