Degrees
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers four graduate degree programs: the PhD in Physics, the Master of Arts in Physics (MA), the Master of Science in Instrumentation (MSI), and the M.Sc. in Quantum Information Science and Technology (MSQIST). The department also facilitates a fifth, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), offered by the School of Professional Development.
Students in the PhD in Physics gain a solid background in the breadth of physics and astronomy, and demonstrate their ability to carry out research and overcome new challenges in a specific area of interest. Beyond the standard program, students with more specific interests can pursue concentrations in Astronomy or Physical Biology. Our graduates often go on to traditional research positions at universities and national labs as well as to industrial labs. Other careers pursued by PhD graduates might include medical physics, analysis in technological and financial settings, and data science.
The Master of Arts in Physics (MA) degree is an extremely flexible degree that can afford students opportunities to take advanced courses, pursue research, and gain important skills for either further study in physics and astronomy or employment. The degree may be awarded either as a terminal degree or as a degree for our current doctoral students en route to the PhD.
Our Master of Science program in Instrumentation (MSI) prepares students with undergraduate degrees in physical science, mathematics, or engineering to enter modern technological enterprises such as research labs, industries, hospitals, etc. as professional physicists with expertise in instrumentation. The program offers both coursework and an original instrumentation project in one of our cutting-edge research labs.
The M.Sc. in Quantum Information Science and Technology (MSQIST) prepares students for the rapidly growing field of quantum information science and technology through a mix of specialized coursework and a research component that may be completed on campus, at Brookhaven National Laboratory, or through an internship with an industrial partner. Applicants need not be physics majors, only hold an undergraduate degree in science or engineering.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is formally offered by the School of Professional Development and is not officially part of the Graduate Program, though students in this degree program can take Physics courses and teach Physics Labs as part of their training. This degree prepares students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a physical science or engineering for New York State certification as a secondary school teacher.