The Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics is offered under either Plan I (with thesis) or Plan II (without thesis). Under Plan I, a minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate work in physics and mathematics (exclusive of thesis) is required. Under Plan II, 32 credit hours of graduate work in physics and mathematics are to be taken. Included in this 32 credit hours must be at least 4 credit hours in research problems courses (PHYS 551, 552, 650).
Under both plans, the graduate work offered for the master鈥檚 degree must include PHYS *466, 505, 511 and 521. In addition, if material equivalent to one of the advanced labs (PHYS *476L, *477L or *493L) is not included in the student鈥檚 prior education, one of these courses must also be taken for the graduate degree. Details must be discussed with a graduate advisor each semester.
Concentration in Astrophysics
The M.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics follows the same requirements for Plan I and Plan II. Requirements for the concentration include:
ASTR 536.
Three courses selected from: ASTR 537; PHYS *466, 505, 511, 521.
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
MSC 03 2120, Ortega Hall 201,
1 University of New Mexico,
ALBUQUERQUE,
New Mexico,
87131, United States
Must have an undergraduate degree in physics or in a related field. Their undergraduate program of studies must have included courses in thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and classical mechanics. There is no foreign language requirement for graduate degrees in Physics. Proficiency in at least one computer language is encouraged.
Demonstrated proficiency in English:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum score 6.5; the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score 550 paper-based, or 79-80 Internet-based; the Duolingo English Test - minimum score 105; the University of Cambridge Examinations Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAPE) or Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) - minimum score C; or the Pearson Test of English- Academic (PTE) - minimum score 53
Application Deadlines
Fall: January 10th
Spring: August 1st
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
