Why pursue the M.S. in Physics?
 

The Master of Science is rapidly becoming the degree of choice for students interested in physics-related careers in industry, and government. It also is an excellent choice for those interested in physics education positions at the high school or community college level. Prospective employers find that candidates who hold the M.S. degree possess the necessary advanced skills and training to pursue complex tasks in applied research and development work. They also find that master's level physicists have the broad training, teamwork, and leadership skills needed to succeed in today's world.

The M.S. degree also can be a useful stepping stone to more advanced degrees in physics and related sciences for those student who need to improve their language skills or grade point average.  In addition, although the Master of Science in Physics is a rigorous and demanding program, the degree can be obtained in a significantly shorter time than a doctorate.  Part-time study is also feasible in the master's program at Cal State Fullerton.

Why choose Cal State Fullerton?
 

Teaching is Our First Priority: At many institutions that grant doctorates, the demands of a heavy research schedule can leave faculty members with little time to devote to their teaching.  In contrast, our physics faculty members are known for their teaching skills. Our graduate classes are small, and they are offered at convenient times.  In addition, our faculty members take a personal interest in the success of their students.

National Reputation: Although Cal State Fullerton is primarily a teaching institution, most of our faculty members have active research programs in basic or applied physics research or in physics education research. Our faculty members have been awarded millions of dollars in grants from such agencies and organizations as the Department of Energy, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Research Corporation, and the Petroleum Research Fund. Our faculty members also serve on numerous national committees and boards including the Council on Undergraduate Research, review panels for the National Science Foundation, NASA and the selection panel for the prestigious Fulbright Fellowships. We offer excellent facilities for research in astronomy, astrophysics, condensed matter physics, optics, atomic physics, and computational physics. Our programs in physics education are nationally recognized. Thus, our graduate students have significant opportunities to work on research projects with faculty members as an integral part of their learning experience.

Flexible Program: Our Master of Science degree program in physics is designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of working adults as well as full-time students. Most graduate classes are scheduled in the early evening hours. Students may choose degree plans that include either a comprehensive examination or a thesis. Thesis work may be completed on campus or through collaborative arrangements with the student’s employer. Each graduate student, with the help of our graduate advisor, works out an individual plan of study that can include electives from physics, as well as other departments such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, or science education.

Student Participation in Research: All students in our M.S. program are required to complete 3 semester units of Physics 599 (Independent Graduate Research). Research opportunities are available in astronomy, astrophysics, atomic physics, condensed matter physics, optics, surface physics, and physics education. Students who choose study plan B also complete a formal thesis research project.

High Quality Faculty: Our physics faculty members are known for both their teaching and research skills. Three members of the department have received the CSUF Outstanding Professor Award.

What career opportunities are available?
 

The Master of Science in Physics provides excellent preparation for applied research, development, and engineering positions in industry or government. The program also is excellent preparation for secondary school and community college teaching positions. In addition, the master of science degree provides an excellent foundation for further graduate study in physics or related fields such as biophysics, geophysics, or engineering.

What's special at Fullerton?
 

Cal State Fullerton offers excellent facilities in experimental astrophysics, experimental condensed matter physics and optics, and experimental atomic physics. In addition, excellent computational physics facilities are available to students interested in theoretical projects. Students interested in high school or community college teaching may choose a pedagogical topic for their master of science thesis.

What types of financial aid are available?
 

Many of our graduate students work as teaching assistants or graduate assistants in our lower-division courses. In addition, we have a limited number of non-resident tuition waivers available for graduate students who are not California residents.  For information about financial assistance, please contact our Office of Financial Aid (University Hall - Room 146) at (714) 278-3125 (California residents).

Who advises me?
 

Each graduate student meets with the graduate advisor to formulate his or her study plan, and to choose appropriate elective courses. New graduate students should arrange to meet with the graduate advisor during the first semester in residence.

Where is additional information available?
 

We encourage you to learn more about our graduate physics program by contacting our department Graduate Advisor, Dr. Heidi Fearn at (714) 278-3366 or by e-mail at or by visiting our Web site at (http://physics.fullerton.edu/physics_MS.html).  Or, visit the Department of Physics, California State University, Fullerton, McCarthy Hall - Room 611, Fullerton, California 92834-6868.