Physics
Overview
Illinois State University is one of only 50 institutions that offers a terminal M.S. degree in Physics. The program requires 30 hours of courses including a core curriculum of Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Mathematical Methods, and Statistical Mechanics. Additional requirements include electives for specialization and research courses to prepare for writing a thesis. Graduates of the program will be well prepared for continuing in a PhD program or going to work in industry.
Point of Pride
The majority of papers published by physics faculty have student co-authors.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Daniel Holland
(309) 438-8756
Moulton Hall 313C
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Discover what life as an Illinois State graduate student is like.
How to Apply
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master's program must:
- have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
- have a minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
- present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.
Personal Statement
Submit a statement (300-600 words) explaining your accomplishments, reasons for pursing graduate work in physics, and your career objectives. Please include research, related work experiences, and any special points about your preparation for graduate work that are important for us to know. Articulate your potential research interests in the context of the ongoing work in the Department of Physics.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit the names and email addresses of two references for letters who can comment on your ability to pursue graduate work in physics.
GRE
GRE general test scores are taken into consideration, but not required, for admission. Applicants can use Illinois State University's institutional code 1319 to submit their test scores.
International Students
International students applying to the Master’s in Physics must have a TOEFL score of at least 100 iBT, IELTS score of 7.0 band, or Duolingo score of 130.
Application Deadlines
- Fall (August) Term — April 1
- Spring (January) Term — Coordinator Approval Only
Graduate Assistantships
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,
- be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
- be in good-standing
- be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).
Benefits
Graduate assistants receive
- monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
- a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
- a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment
Costs & Funding
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.
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