Prepare to pursue graduate studies or launch successful careers in national laboratories, research and industry.

MS in Physics Overview

The Master of Science in Physics program at UMass Lowell provides a strong foundation in theoretical, experimental and applied physics, preparing you for careers in industry, academia, research or advanced studies. Choose from three tracks: General Option, Photonics Option or Quantum Information Option.

With access to over $10 million in annual research funding, you’ll collaborate with world-class faculty on groundbreaking projects in areas like quantum computing, nanotechnology and space sciences. Whether you're preparing for doctoral studies or pursuing a career in national laboratories, industry or academia, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Note: The Physics department also offers an M.S. in Radiological Sciences and Protection and M.S. in Medical Physics.

Physics Curriculum

The M.S. in Physics is a 30-credit master's degree with a General or Photonics option.

  • General Option, Thesis or Non-Thesis: Customize your studies by selecting courses across various physics disciplines, tailoring the program to your interests and career goals.
  • Photonics Option: Designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree program in physics, engineering or other sciences, this terminal Master’s Program focuses on electro-optical phenomena, lasers, applications of optics to telecommunication and information processing, fiber optics and other optical materials and devices. 
  • Quantum Information Option: This is an interdisciplinary program aimed to educate students in the field of quantum information. You have options to take QI-related courses from Physics, Math and other departments at UMass Lowell, and complete either thesis or project-based research.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.


Required Course
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.6070Mathematical Methods of Physics3
Total3

At least 4 elective courses must be chosen in consultation with the Academic Advising Committee out of courses acceptable for graduate credit, except PHYS.5530/40 and PHYS.5350/60. PHYS.7800 Graduate Physics Internship can also be chosen as an elective.
Elective Courses (choose 4)
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.XXXXPhysics course listing3
Total12
Students must choose either Thesis Option or the Project Option.
Thesis Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7460Master's Thesis Research Physics3
Total6-12
Project Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7330Graduate Project - Physics3
Total3
All full-time candidates are required to register for Physics Colloquium, PHYS.7010/7020, and at least one Physics Seminar every semester. After attending the general Graduate Seminar, PHYS.7110/7120, for one year, students may elect to take one of the specialized seminars instead.

Up to total of 3 credits for internship or colloquia/seminars can be counted towards a graduate degree.

For Students with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Required Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.6070Mathematical Methods of Physics3
PHYS.5390Electro-Optics3
PHYS.5770Solid State Electronic And Optoelectronic Devices3
Total9

For Students with Bachelor of Sciences in other Sciences or Engineering.
Required Course
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.5350Introduction to Quantum Mechanics3
Total3

Elective Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.5360Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II3
PHYS.5370Geometrical Optics3
PHYS.5380Physical Optics and Waves3
PHYS.5400Image Processing and Lab3
PHYS.5470Laser Physics and Applications3
PHYS.5720Solid State Physics3
PHYS.5780Integrated Optics: Wave Guides and Lasers3
EECE.5680Electro-Optics Design3
EECE.7800Graduate Physics Internship3
Total
Students must choose either Thesis Option or the Project Option.
Thesis Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7460Master's Thesis Research Physics3
Total6-12
Project Option
Course #Course NameCr.
PHYS.7330Graduate Project - Physics3
Total3
All full-time candidates are required to register for Physics Colloquium, PHYS.7010PHYS.7020, and at least one Physics Seminar every semester. After attending the general Graduate Seminar, PHYS.7110/ PHYS.7120, for one year, students may elect to take one of the specialized seminars instead.

Up to total of 3 credits for internship and/or colloquia/seminars can be counted towards a graduate degree.

Updated 3/13/25

This program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours with at most 3 credit hours from colloquium, seminar, or internship courses. Students will choose one of two pathways:
1. Thesis Pathway*
a. MS thesis research (PHYS7460): at least 6 and at most 12 credit hours allowed
b. Other approved courses: At least 18 credit hours required
2.Non-thesis Pathway†
a. Graduate Project (PHYS7330L): 3 credit hours (MUST be completed in 1 semester)
b. Other approved courses: At least 27 credit hours required
Required Courses
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHYS.6070Mathematical Methods of Physics3
PHYS.5330Introduction to Quantum Information3
PHYS.7110/20Graduate Seminar in Physics0-1 per semester
PHYS.7010/20Physics Colloquium0-1 per semester
Total6 (minimum)

Elective Courses (at least 4 required)
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHYS.5330LIntroduction to Quantum Information Lab3
PHYS.5350Introductory Quantum Mechanics I3
PHYS.5360Introductory Quantum Mechanics II3
MATH.5880Mathematical Methods of Quantum Error Correction3
PHYS.6165Graduate Quantum Mechanics3
PHYS.6190Physics of Quantum Information3
XXXX.XXXXOther graduate courses may be used with approval of the Physics Graduate Committee3
Total12 (minimum)

Students must choose either Thesis Option or the Project Option.
Thesis Option
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHYS.7460Master's Thesis Research Physics3
Total6-12
Project Option
Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHYS.7330 LGraduate Project - Physics3
Total3

Total credit hours required for degree = 30

Updated 4/29/25

Why study physics at UMass Lowell?

UMass Lowell physics professor demonstrates a string experiment while students observe.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty are leaders in their research areas and committed to quality interactions and mentoring of students.
A student wearing a lab coat and hat installs wires into equipment in a UMass Lowell lab.

Research Opportunities

With over $10 million annually in funded research, we are ranked among the top 50 programs in the United States for research and development expenditures by the National Science Foundation. 
Two students wearing protective lab gear in a UMass Lowell physics lab.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Access advanced laboratories and equipment for hands-on learning.

Where Our Graduates Work

  • BAE Systems, Inc.
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Raytheon
  • Pfizer
  • Medtronic

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

Students currently enrolled as undergraduates in physics at UMass Lowell may elect to apply for admission to the BS/MS Program. Currently, three BS/MS programs are available: Physics, Optical Science, and Radiological Science. Junior or senior full-time physics majors with a grade point average of 3.000 or above are eligible to apply for admission to the program.

Learn more about our Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:
    • Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science,
    • Medical Physics and Radiological Sciences.
    • Some programs will waive the test score requirements under certain conditions.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants

All required documents are due to the Office of Graduate Admissions by February 15 for full Fall consideration. Applications received after this date will be reviewed for the next semester.

International Applicants

A transcript evaluation is required for the M.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Applied Biology.

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated.  Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

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Email
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