Masters Program

The physics department offers an MA degree in physics whichis designed to be versatile so that it will be useful to students with different objectives. A Masters degree in Physics is a useful preparation for careers infields such as education, scientific computer programming, industrial research,medicine, patent law, forensic science, business and other fields which require a strong scientific background.

The MA program in physics requires 30 credits, which may be transferred as the first 30 credits of doctoral work. There are 5 required courses, 18 credits, which cover the basic branches of modern physics: Phys 625 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Phys 641 Statistical Physics, Phys 611 Analytical Mechanics, Phys 615 Electricity and Magnetism, Phys 671 Modern Physics Laboratory. Remaining credits can be earned by taking elective 600 or 700-level courses offered by the department or the Graduate Center of CUNY, or graduate-level courses in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science approved by the Graduate Physics Committee. A minimum grade of B- is required in any course taken to fullfill the requirements for the MA degree. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research, which may comprise up to 12 credits. A partial list of research activities at Queens College, includes: development of high coercivity magnetic materials, properties of surfaces, development of sophisticated diagnostic techniques for surfaces, studies of photonic band gaps and photon localization, theoretical studies of wave propagation in random media, plasmonics, metamaterials, optics of quantum confiend structures, optical whispering gallery modes. (These requirements apply to students accepted into the program in the Spring 2015 semester and later; current students must consult the graduate advisor). 

Entry requirements: BS degree with a minimum of 16 credits beyond the introductory college course and 6 credits in Mathematics beyond elementary calculus. Students who have majored in a related subject, e.g. some engineering, technology, mathematics and applied science degrees, may be admitted to the program conditionally with the requirement that they fill in any gaps in their physics background by taking the relevant physics major courses before certain Masters courses.

Undergraduate students who wish to be considered for the combined B.A.-M.A.program may apply in their junior or senior year if they have an average of at least 3.5 in the Physics major courses. Students interested in this option should consult the Masters advisor.

• Undergraduate courses: All the required courses for a physics major must be taken.
• Graduate courses: All the requirements for a M. S. degree in Physics must also be met.