Skip to main content
Top
WVU Home Eberly Home Apply Now

M.S. Degree

An M.S. degree is often an intermediate step in the graduate program for a student on the way to obtaining their Ph.D. degree. 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.

M.S. Requirements

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Complete their degree within three years

To be a graduate student in good standing, a student must:

A student who is not in good standing because of a GPA <3.0 will have their academic record reviewed by a faculty committee and continuation in the physics graduate program will require the committee’s approval.