Some students enter graduate school with the goal of obtaining an M.S. in Physics, and others obtain their master's degree (M.S.) on the way to their doctoral (Ph.D.) degree. Since the path to an M.S. with a thesis involves research with a faculty advisor, it is important that students wishing to complete an M.S. degree in two years understand the accelerated pace at which they will have to work.
Non-Thesis Option
A student may earn an M.S. degree without doing thesis research by completing 30
hours of physics courses (with a GPA
≥ 2.75) at the 600-level or above. This includes PHYS 611, PHYS 631, PHYS 633,
PHYS 651, and PHYS 761.
Thesis Option
A student may earn an M.S. degree with a thesis by completing 18 hours of physics
courses (with a GPA ≥ 2.75) at the 600-level or above. This includes
PHYS 611, PHYS 631, PHYS 633, PHYS 651, and PHYS 761. To complete an M.S.
thesis in two years, the student should identify a thesis supervisor at the end
of their first semester and begin doing research during their second semester.
Degree Regulations
Graduate students in the WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy may refer to the
Degree Regulations provided in the Academic Catalog for information about
time limits, requirements, committees, theses & dissertations, and graduation.
Course Registration
For assistance with course registration,
consult the guidance available from the University Registrar. If you have any
further questions, feel free to contact
Miranda Heitz.
Credit Transfers
Students at the graduate and professional level may request to have credit earned
from other accredited institutions articulated to their record. For further information
about credit transfers at the graduate level,
consult the guidance available from the University Registrar. If you have
any further questions, feel free to contact
Miranda Heitz.