Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

Master's

Physics is a broad subject, ranging from pondering the origins of the universe to designing better electronic memory devices.

Young students and junior researchers from around the world are welcome to obtain a solid basis in the fundamentals of physics and to pursue their particular interests and professional goals at Northwestern.

The master's program in Physics is designed to meet the needs of individuals who have the interest and skills needed to learn physics but who will not spend several years in graduate school earning a doctorate. Students are meant to complete the requirements within four quarters, starting with basic "core" courses in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics and statistical physics, followed by a number of elective courses drawn from many departments at Northwestern.

The keyword for the program is flexibility - students should be empowered to study what is most relevant to their goals.

For inquiries, please contact the Director of the master's program, Andrew Geraci.

Within the master's program, there are two paths to completion, called "Standard" and "Broad." They share the same core requirement.

Standard Path:

• Five core courses (see below)
• Four elective courses (see below)
• Master's Thesis
  • Either an in-depth reading project, or a research project, supervised by an appropriate faculty member, similar to PHYSICS 499-0 Independent Study
  • Thesis to be presented for evaluation
  • Should be completed by end of summer quarter

Broad Path:

• Five core courses (see below)
• Seven elective courses (see below)

The Standard Path to the master's degree should be completed within one calendar year; the nine courses would be taken during the winter, fall and spring quarters and the master's thesis would be written during the summer. The Broad Path would be completed typically in 15 months; nine courses would be taken during the winter, fall and spring quarters, and the additional three courses would be taken in the fall quarter of the second year.

Core Courses: To be completed in fall & winter quarters

Elective Courses: At least four from this list, during spring and fall quarters.