Master of Science in Physics (Non-Thesis)

The master of science in physics is a 32-credit-hour program which prepares you for a variety of career paths, including further study leading to the Ph.D. program. Students should expect the completion of an M.S. degree to take two academic years of full-time study. Choose from a thesis or non-thesis track which is an option for students who do not require Ph.D. preparation to be successful in their careers.
An advanced degree in physics builds upon and enhances your knowledge of the field in various ways. At USD, you'll explore individualized research interests, develop your mathematical problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and learn how to analyze data and clearly communicate complex ideas.

Whether you choose a thesis or non-thesis track, you'll become prepared for a future in academia, industry and at national labs. All graduate students can fully engage in a wide range of research, through large collaborations such as COHERENT, DUNE, LEGEND, MINER, PIRE-GEMADARC and SuperCDMS from data analysis and analytics to detector development to simulation. As part of that process, you'll work hands-on in research areas germane to the needs of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), such as nuclear/particle physics, double beta-decay, dark matter searches and gravitational wave detection experiments, and more. The interdisciplinary curriculum and small class sizes help establish relationships with your peers and professors that empower you to be successful.

Official transcript(s) verifying receipt of an undergraduate degree and previous graduate credit (in English or with translation). Transcripts must be complete (e.g., if currently enrolled, work-in-progress coursework must be included, foreign transcripts must include a grading scale, and for countries that issue, copy of degree certificate/diploma i.e., India, Nepal, etc.). The USD Graduate School and/or academic units retain the right to require credential evaluations from organizations, such as Educational Credential Evaluators/World Education Services (ECE/WES), for a student if such an evaluation is deemed necessary.
Applicants to the master's program must have completed a baccalaureate in physics, although applicants with baccalaureate or graduate degrees in closely related fields may be considered. Applicants to the doctoral program will be considered with either an undergraduate or master's degree in physics. Baccalaureate degree must be from an institution with institutional accreditation for that degree. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on conferred degree and/or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, on all graduate coursework is required for full admission. We may admit students on provisional status per university policy.
Applicants with degrees from countries other than the United States who have obtained a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree from an institutionally accredited American college or university or from an accredited institution in the approved list of English-speaking countries are not required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score. For all other applicants with degrees from other countries, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), 8.5 on the TOEFL Essentials, 6.0 on the IELTS Academic, 53 on the PTE, or 110 on Duolingo is required for graduate admission.
Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose or goal statement. A statement of purpose should articulate how your background, expertise, and aspirations align with your decision to pursue graduate studies at USD's Physics Graduate Program. Specifically, you should highlight how your past research experience has equipped you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the program. Provide details on how your research area, methodologies, and outcomes have informed your academic and career goals, and how these relate to the research and educational opportunities available at USD.