Physics, MS (Boston)

The Department of Physics offers a Master of Science degree with several options. The standard physics MS can be earned by taking a specified set of courses without an MS thesis. Alternatively, an MS thesis may substitute for 8 semester hours of coursework. Both of these options may be pursued either full-time or part-time. Upon completion of the MS degree in physics, students should be able to apply graduate-level knowledge and solve problems in the areas of electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, and advanced mathematical methods.

Grade Requirements

To qualify for the MS degree, a cumulative average of 3.000, equivalent to a grade of B, must be obtained. No more than two courses or 6 semester hours of credit, whichever is greater, may be repeated in order to satisfy the requirements for the MS degree. A student who does not maintain a 3.000 cumulative average for two consecutive semesters, or is otherwise not making satisfactory progress toward the MS degree requirements, may be recommended for termination at the discretion of the graduate committee.

Within the above limitations, a required course for which a grade of F is received must be repeated with a grade of C or better and may be repeated only once. Elective courses in which an F has been received may be repeated once to obtain a C or better.

Transfer Credit

Students must petition, in writing, through the graduate committee to the director of graduate student services for all transfer credit. An official transcript must be attached to the Request for Transfer Credit form. A maximum of 9 semester hours of credit obtained at another institution may be accepted toward the MS degree provided that the credits transferred consist of a grade of B or better in graduate-level courses and have not been used toward any other degree. Grades are not transferred.

Current MS Students Interested in the PhD Program

Physics MS students interested in applying to the Physics, PhD program must submit a complete application for admission.

Special Student Status

Special students are allowed to earn credit for a maximum of 12 semester hours. Students interested in taking more than 12 semester hours must make a formal application to the degree program.

Beginning with students admitted in the fall of 2026, all students pursuing on-ground master's degree programs must complete a university-level experiential learning requirement. This requirement may be fulfilled through the curriculum, co-op, or other work- or industry-integrated learning experiences.

To earn the degree, complete all core requirements and fulfill the requirements of a concentration. Co-op is optional.

Core Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
PHYS 7301	Classical Mechanics/Math Methods	4
PHYS 7305	Statistical Physics	4

Concentrations

Complete one of the following concentrations:

• Applied Physics
• Theory

Co-op Option

If pursuing a co-op, regardless of concentration or option, the following must be completed.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required
EESC 6500	Pathways to Professional Success	1
Complete one or more of the following:
EESC 6400	Pre-co-op Work Experience
EESC 6964	Co-op Work Experience
EESC 6954	Co-op Work Experience - Half-Time
EESC 6965	Co-op Work Experience Abroad

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

32 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required

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Applied Physics Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required
PHYS 5318	Principles of Experimental Physics	4
PHYS 7302	Electromagnetic Theory	4
PHYS 7315	Quantum Theory 1	4
or PHYS 7316	Quantum Theory 2
PHYS 7321	Computational Physics	4
or PHYS 5211	Introduction to Scientific Computing
Complete one of the following options:		8
Coursework Option
Complete 8 semester hours from the following. Substitutions may be considered with advisor approval:
PHYS 5114	Physics and Applications of Quantum Materials
PHYS 5260	Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
PHYS 5608	Magnetic Materials for Next-Generation Electronics
PHYS 7324	Condensed Matter Physics
Thesis Option
Students interested in the thesis option should consult with a faculty advisor. The thesis must demonstrate the individual's capacity to execute independent work based on original material. The thesis must be approved by the graduate committee and submitted electronically to Proquest.
Complete 8 semester hours from the following:
PHYS 7990	Thesis
Registration in the following course is required if the thesis is not completed by the conclusion of the second term of registration for PHYS 7990:
PHYS 7996	Thesis Continuation

Theory Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required
PHYS 7302	Electromagnetic Theory	4
PHYS 7315	Quantum Theory 1	4
PHYS 7316	Quantum Theory 2	4
PHYS 7321	Computational Physics	4
Complete one of the following options:		8
Coursework Option
Complete 8 semester hours from the following. Substitutions may be considered with advisor approval:
PHYS 5113	Particle Physics
PHYS 5116	Network Science 1
PHYS 5117	Advanced Astrophysics Topics
PHYS 5118	General Relativity and Cosmology
PHYS 5318	Principles of Experimental Physics
PHYS 7322	Nonequilibrium Physics
PHYS 7323	Elementary Particle Physics
PHYS 7324	Condensed Matter Physics
PHYS 7325	Quantum Field Theory 1
PHYS 7326	Quantum Field Theory 2
PHYS 7731	Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 1
PHYS 7741	Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 2
Thesis Option
Students interested in the thesis option should consult with a faculty advisor. The thesis must demonstrate the individual's capacity to execute independent work based on original material. The thesis must be approved by the graduate committee and submitted electronically to Proquest.
Complete 8 semester hours from the following:
PHYS 7990	Thesis
Registration in the following course is required if the thesis is not completed by the conclusion of the second term of registration for PHYS 7990:
PHYS 7996	Thesis Continuation