Program: Physics MS - University at Buffalo

Apr 02, 2025

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Students choose physics at UB because it combines excellence with diversity. By acquiring a rigorous foundation of basic knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on research experience, our graduates are equipped with the necessary tools to embark in any career which values technical aptitude and analytical thinking, as well as the ability to adapt to changes. Most of our graduates are employed as university or college faculty, or in senior technical or managerial positions in industrial, commercial, or research institutions.

Comprehensive Exam Curriculum

Required Core (18 credits)

4 out of 7 must be minimum grade of “B”

PHY 507LEC - Quantum Mechanics I Credits: 3
PHY 508LEC - Quantum Mechanics II Credits: 3
PHY 509LEC - Classical Dynamics Credits: 3
PHY 513LEC - Electrodynamics Credits: 3
PHY 519LEC - Statistical Physics I Credits: 3
PHY 551LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory I Credits: 3
or
PHY 552LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory II Credits: 3

Electives (12 credits)

Registration in tutorials or 600-level courses must be approved by DGS. For the culminating experience, most students will complete an exam; consult with DGS if you are interested in completing a Master’s Project or Thesis

All 5XX PHY except PHY 598 , PHY 599

Culminating Experience: Exam (0 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Project Curriculum

Required Core (15 credits)

3 out of 5 must be minimum grade of “B”

PHY 507LEC - Quantum Mechanics I Credits: 3
PHY 509LEC - Classical Dynamics Credits: 3
PHY 513LEC - Electrodynamics Credits: 3
PHY 519LEC - Statistical Physics I Credits: 3
PHY 551LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory I Credits: 3
or
PHY 552LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory II Credits: 3

Electives (9 credits)

All 5XX PHY except PHY 598 , PHY 599
All 6XX PHY

Culminating Experience: Project (6 credits)

PHY 600TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Thesis Curriculum

Required Core (18 credits)

18 credits of Formal PHY Graduate level LEC/SEM Courses (excluding PHY 598 , PHY 599 and PHY 6XX) including 1 of:

PHY 551LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory I Credits: 3
or
PHY 552LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory II Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Thesis (12 credits)

PHY 598TUT - Independent Study Credits: 1 - 3
PHY 599TUT - Supervised Teaching Credits: 1 - 3
PHY 600TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

30 Hours

Time-To-Degree

2 Years

Application Fee

$75

Program Contact

Jenny Russell
244 Math Building
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: jennyr@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-8782
Fax: 716-645-5039

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.