Master of Science in Physics

Ranked by the American Physical Society as one of the top physics master's programs in the U.S., the MS in Physics is designed to:

• advance your understanding of the concepts of modern and classical physics
• develop your ability to apply these concepts to solve practical problems

We are interested in working with inquisitive and enthusiastic students who plan to pursue:

• professional careers in research and teaching
• applied areas of industrial research and development

The Physics Department offers a range of graduate courses in:

• astrophysics
• computational physics
• electrodynamics
• fluid physics
• mathematical physics
• nuclear physics
• quantum mechanics
• relativity

The department also offers courses emphasizing research—including thesis research and independent study in special topics.

You'll be encouraged to participate in faculty research in areas such as theoretical and computational physics—including atomic physics, relativity, high-energy and gravitational physics, and traffic modeling. Most students are supported by teaching or research assistantships.

Under the guidance of a graduate advisor, you will follow a course of study and research that is in harmony with your own background and goals. The size of our program fosters close personal contacts among students and faculty.

Our program's part-time option is geared toward students who are already professionally active but wish to enhance their knowledge base in the field.

Research areas

Major areas of research in the Physics Department include:

• AMO Physics
• Computational and Theoretical Physics
• Experimental Nuclear Physics
• Ocean Physics
• Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics
• Traffic Engineering

Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT)

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

UMassD College of Engineering Points of Distinction

• ABET Accredited
• Nationally recognized research institution
• Voted best Engineering program in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report
• 97% of graduates from the College of Engineering are either employed or enrolled in further education. Graduates have gone on to work at Google, Amazon, Dell, Raytheon, Hyundai, Apple; and one alumni is a NASA astronaut.

Welcome to the International Pathway Program at UMass Dartmouth!

• Access to success: Our program is a starting point on your academic journey.
• We offer step-by-step support from application assistance, streamlining admissions, and pre-arrival support, to academic advisement and exploring campus life at UMassD through events and excursions.
• Once you are accepted to IPP, you are also conditionally accepted into the degree program of your choice and have full access to UMassD.
• You’ll receive guidance to ensure your academic success, receiving personal advisement to help you reach your goals.
• You’ll earn credits toward your degree during the pathway program.
• You are guaranteed admission to your program once your pathway is successfully completed.

Why UMass Dartmouth?

UMass Dartmouth is

• A world-class institution with over 125 years of educational experience and ranked as a top public university nationwide;
• Part of the UMass system ranked as the #59 in the nation and #2 in Massachusetts. According to U.S. News & World Report, UMass Dartmouth ranks as a top performer in social mobility, finishing ahead of 28 national universities in New England including MIT, Harvard, and Brown University;
• A National Research Institution recognized 6 years in a row as an institution offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs with a commitment to producing groundbreaking research;
• Success-driven with 96% of graduates either employed or in graduate school;
• An opportunity to study in diverse fields including 30+ graduate programs and 80+ undergraduate programs

Mission Statement

UMass Dartmouth distinguishes itself as a vibrant, public research university dedicated to engaged learning and innovative research resulting in personal and lifelong student success. The University serves as an intellectual catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation on a global, national, and regional scale.

Vision Statement

UMass Dartmouth will be a globally recognized premier research university committed to inclusion, access, advancement of knowledge, student success, and community engagement.

Accreditation

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) since 1963; this accreditation encompasses the entire institution.

As of August 1, 2018, CIHE-NEASC became an independent corporation called the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). NECHE establishes and maintains high standards of educational excellence through self-evaluation and peer review. Institutions demonstrating that they meet these standards are accredited. NECHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.