Graduate Programs

We offer a Master's of Science Degree in Engineering Physics with two concentrations:

Our program has been hailed by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) as among the unranked list of the top 13 programs of Master's-granting institutions nationwide.  Our graduate faculty - those that teach and/or do research with graduate students - includes Dr. Phil Russell, Dr. Donovan Leonard, Dr. Sid Clements, Dr. Chris Thaxton, Dr. James Sherman, Dr. Adrian Daw, and Dr. Thomas Rokoske. The faculty have extensive experience in industry, government agencies, and academics in fields ranging from electrostatics for NASA missions, to nano-scale materials characterization, to stellar and Earth atmospheric studies, to granular flows and fluid dynamics.  Primarily, the curriculum and faculty are focussed on the Physics of Engineering - specifically of the study and development of instrumentation and automation for applications such as remote sensing, signal processing, astronomical control systems, and manufacturing and testing controls and robotics. 

Graduate Bulletin for our programs, including Programs of Study

Graduate Course Catalog for Physics

The program has both a THESIS and NON-THESIS option. Both options can be completed in two years.

The THESIS option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit, which includes 6 hours for the thesis. The comprehensive exam is given over the thesis area only.

The NON-THESIS option requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit, which includes 6 hours of credit in directed research for the associated research project.  The comprehensive exam is given on four of  the core courses: PHY 5635 (Microcomputer Interfacing and Robotics), PHY 5430 (Digital Systems), PHY 5435 (Laboratory Automation), and PHY 5440 (Modern Instrumentation Design).

The emphasis of the program is the preparation of individuals for technical careers in industrial, governmental and independent laboratories.  M.S. in Engineering Physics degree recipients have the broad foundation in fundamental physics, the problem solving techniques and tools for sophisticated technical problems, and the versatility required for long-term success in a rapid evolving technical environment.  Our graduates are very competitive in the job market and have been very successful in both industry and Ph.D. programs.

Application for admission to the program is open to any graduate of an accredited college or university who holds a bachelor's degree in one of the sciences, engineering, computer science, electronics, or a related area. 

Apply to our program

Cratis D. Williams Graduate School

For more information, contact Dr. J. Sid Clements (828)262-2447 or Dr. Chris Thaxton (828)262-6836.

 

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