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Push the Boundaries of Your Career

In today's tech-centric world, we need professionals who can ask big questions, are innovative problem-solvers and inquisitively dig deeper into a subject. This is what an MS in Physics offers you.

At Clarkson University, you will be able to focus your analytical and research skills to drive innovation. Expand your understanding of the fundamentals of physics. Learn how to apply your knowledge to broaden what we understand of the field. Leave with the technical mastery and research background that will open doors to doctoral programs, laboratories, observatories and private industry.

Why Earn an MS in Physics From Clarkson University?

Our program allows you to specialize in an applied research area in a way that aligns with your professional goals. The curriculum is flexible, giving you the option to deepen your studies with additional coursework or focus more on completing your own research.

One of the hallmarks of our department is the personalized attention we offer students. We keep our class sizes small, encouraging collaboration between peers. Your research advisor will provide comprehensive guidance, and you will further benefit from a friendly and open relationship with other faculty members. We value your input and ideas and treat you as a fellow scholar.

Despite our size, Clarkson offers the resources of a much larger university. You will have access to state-of-the-art research centers and have the opportunity to participate in team projects.

What You'll Learn

The Master of Science in Physics takes two years to complete. Students take up to 30 academic credit hours consisting of graduate coursework, a thesis and a seminar. By the end of your second semester, you will choose a research topic and a research advisor to help you fulfill a research or professional requirement.

You can choose from three options to complete your degree:

• Thesis option: Defend a submitted thesis written on independent research.
• Non-thesis option A: Conduct research for a professionally oriented special project.
• Non-thesis option B: Successfully complete the Physics Comprehensive Examination within two years of graduate study. This is reserved for graduate students currently enrolled in our Physics PhD program who wish to receive a Master of Science degree while they work on their PhD thesis.

As for specializations, you can choose from the following:

• Biophysics
• Chemical Mechanical Planarization
• Computational Physics
• Physics Education

Career Possibilities

Our master's program will give you the rigorous preparation and research opportunities needed to pursue doctoral studies. However, you will also graduate with skills that are attractive to employers in the science and tech industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physicists is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Whichever path you take, the MS in Physics can open doors to roles in:

• Academia
• Government
• Observatories
• Private industry
• Research laboratories

• Biophysics
• Chemical Mechanical Planarization
• Computational Physics
Physics Education