The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the master of science degree in physics with the option of a focused area of study in astronomy. Although we offer a course-only MS, our graduate program is mostly oriented toward current physics research.
Research toward a degree may be conducted in either experimental or theoretical areas. Experimental programs include magnetic materials, high-energy physics, materials science, observational extragalactic astronomy, and particle astrophysics. Theoretical programs include condensed matter, elementary particles, atomic and molecular physics, extragalactic astronomy, astrophysics and particle astrophysics.
The primary purpose of master鈥檚 degree programs is to provide students with subject matter at an advanced level in their fields of study. Master鈥檚 degrees are designed to assist students either to continue their graduate studies or to meet the goals of their professions. In most cases, master鈥檚 programs also help students become familiar with methods of independent investigation.
Program Requirements
Two plans are offered for the master's degree:
Plan I. Candidates for the master's degree under Plan I must earn a minimum of 24 semester hours of credit in coursework plus earn a minimum of 6 additional hours of thesis research hours, for a total of 30 hours.
Plan II. Candidates for the master's degree under Plan II must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework credit and pass the comprehensive examination or complete a culminating or 鈥渃apstone experience鈥� as described under the Comprehensive Examinations section below.
Both plans require a minimum of 18 semester hours in the major subject. With the approval of the major department, the remainder of the coursework may be completed in either the major or a related field.
In some divisions and in many departments of the University, candidates are required to do their work under Plan I. Candidates working under Plan II may be required to participate successfully in seminar or problem courses that will give them an acquaintance with the methods of research and an appreciation of the place and function of original investigation in the field.
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
Clark Hall,
The University of Alabama,
TUSCALOOSA,
Alabama,
35487, United States
A student who wishes to take graduate work leading to the MS or PhD degree should have the equivalent of an undergraduate major in physics, and mathematics through differential equations. Any undergraduate courses required to complete a student's preparation should be taken as soon as possible.
English Language Requirements: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT); International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 6.5; Pearson Test of English (PTE): The minimum score of admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 59.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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