In addition to completing core courses, master’s students can choose a research-based thesis option or advanced electives in astronomy, electrodynamics, plasma physics, quantum physics, and solid-state physics.
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Program Overview
Program Delivery: On-campus
The program is designed to give a fundamental theoretical background beyond that of undergraduate level and some research experience, if desired.
The M.S. degree can be obtained with or without a thesis. The thesis will be assessed by three faculty, including the research advisor. Given that the path to a M.S. degree with a thesis involves original research with a faculty advisor, it is important students wishing to complete a M.S. degree in two years understand the accelerated pace at which they will have to work. To complete an M. S. thesis in two years, the student should identify a thesis by the end of the Fall Semester of their first year and begin research in the following Spring Semester of their first year.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers Masters of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Both degree programs provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals as well as a diverse range of specializations for research. In addition to working with Physics faculty in these research areas, graduate students have worked with faculty in a range of other departments at WVU.
Applicants are encouraged to visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy to talk with the faculty and view the facilities. Limited financial support is available to help defray the cost of housing and food. Contact the Chair of the Graduate Admissions Committee, Professor Loren Anderson, to make arrangements.
Admissions Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Physics at WVU?
University Requirements
To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelors degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75.
WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for admission into the Physics graduate program an applicant must submit the following documentation:
- Letters of Recommendation - Three
- Résumé /CV
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE
Additional application considerations:
- The GRE is optional.
Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by program.
International Applicants must also submit the materials outlined here.
Program Contact
Edward Flagg
Associate Professor and Chair of the Graduate Admissions Committee
Have questions?
Do you have questions about our graduate program? Would you like to visit us on campus?
Contact the Chair of the Graduate Admissions Committee at physicsadmissions@mail.wvu.edu to make arrangements for a visit or to get your questions answered.