Central Michigan University

Classes are small, and students have the opportunity of close supervision and individual attention. The department's faculty is active in several areas of research and value collaborative research with other CMU departments, industries, government laboratories and research centers at other universities.

The requirements for the M.S. in physics are based on a core of 12 semester-hours in advanced mechanics (PHY624), electricity and magnetism (PHY634), and quantum mechanics (PHY643 and PHY644). Three hours of seminar in contemporary physics (PHY685) are required, and six hours of credit are given for the thesis (PHY798). In consultation with an advisor, the student selects at least nine additional hours in areas of specific personal interest such as Nuclear Physics (PHY552), Optics (PHY554), Solid State Physics (PHY556), and Computational Physics (PHY557). See the Bulletin of the College of Graduate Studies for details.

The program is normally completed in two years. The course offering is organized on a two year cycle (odd and even). The suggested degree map for students starting in an odd year is:

For students starting in an even year:

Elective courses are marked by an asterisk (*). Students with a special interest in Astronomy usually choose Observational Astronomy (AST562 fall semester odd years) and Astrophysics (AST563 spring semester, even years). With the advice and consent of their advisor students can also opt for Independent Study (PHY790) or cognate courses in disciplines closely related to the area of specialization such as courses from the Science in Advanced Materials Ph.D. program (SAM620, SAM630, SAM700, SAM710, SAM720).

A list of recent thesis titles includes:

• Electronic structure of oxide/semiconductor interfaces
• Dendrimer-Assisted Energy Conversion Processes
• Problem-based learning in an introductory physics course
• Relative Line Strengths For the Hyperfine Doublets in Cesium
• Rheology of saline and polysaccharide systems
• Structural study of nanocrystalline K-Li-Mn-O-I
• Study of medium size sodium clusters

In recent years, students with a MS in Physics from Central Michigan University found employment in public planetariums, industry, and four-year colleges. Many also continued graduate studies in a variety of fields including optics, nuclear physics, medical physics, and engineering.

Admission

A bachelor's degree in physics with a minimum grade point average of 2.7 is required for admission to the physics graduate program. Students from non-English speaking countries are required to demonstrate proficiency in English via the TOEFL exam. There is no qualifying examination, and no foreign language is required.

Candidates for the program should initiate the admission process by submitting the application forms to the College of Graduate Studies and, at the same time, contact the department chair ( ). The department begins reviewing applications in mid January for fall semester admission. Admission to the program granted by the graduate school does not guarantee financial support (see below).

Graduate assistants receive a stipend of $5,400/semester (2008 - 2009) plus tuition remission for up to 20 hours of on-campus courses taken during the academic year and subsequent summer session. Graduate teaching assistants are involved in laboratory instruction for six to eight contact hours per week. Graduate research assistants are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week on a research project. Summer support is offered; however, it is not guaranteed, and it depends on availability of funds. Applicants for graduate assistantships are urged to submit GRE general and physics scores. The application for Graduate Assistantships is available online.

Completed assistantship applications should be received in the department by January15, although late applications may be considered if positions are available. More information about graduate student financial support is available at: http://financialaid.cmich.edu

  Graduate Fellowships, requiring no teaching, provide an annual stipend plus 30 hours tuition remission. Applicants should apply directly to the College of Graduate Studies.