M.A. in Anthropology
The University of Tulsa, a respected private research institution in the United States,...
M.S. in Physics
Tulsa, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of Tulsa's Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics is a rigorous and comprehensive program designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and research skills in various subfields of physics. The program offers a thesis option, which emphasizes original research mentored by faculty, culminating in a thesis defense, or a report option, which focuses more on coursework and a research report. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their career aspirations, whether they aim for doctoral studies, research careers, or positions in industry and government. The program fosters a deep understanding of fundamental physics principles and their application to real-world problems.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Physics program at the University of Tulsa is STEM-designated. This designation is highly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation, providing valuable opportunities for professional work experience.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Physics curriculum typically requires 30-32 credit hours, providing a strong foundation in core physics disciplines. Required courses generally include advanced topics such as Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory, Electromagnetic Theory, Classical Mechanics, Mathematical Methods for Physicists, and Quantum Mechanics. Students select additional elective hours from physics or related fields, often in consultation with their advisor, allowing for specialization. The curriculum aims to develop students' ability to assimilate and synthesize existing knowledge, critically analyze research, and uphold ethical standards in scientific endeavors, preparing them for complex problem-solving.
Research Focus: The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics at the University of Tulsa is highly active in diverse research areas, which forms an integral part of the M.S. program, particularly for thesis-track students. Faculty and students engage in groundbreaking research across a broad spectrum, including experimental optics and spectroscopy, experimental solid-state physics, materials simulation and condensed matter theory, and nanoscience and nanotechnology. The department also has strong collaborations with other science and engineering departments, national laboratories, and federal agencies like NASA. This vibrant research environment provides students with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Industry Engagement: The University of Tulsa's M.S. in Physics program is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in industry, government, and higher education. The program boasts a high job placement rate for its graduates, reflecting its strong industry relevance. The emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical experimental experience, including work with advanced instrumentation and collaborative research projects, equips students with highly sought-after skills. Alumni find employment at leading companies like Google, Intel, and Williams, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in bridging academic training with professional opportunities. The university's overall "job placement guarantee" for students who follow their career services program further underscores their commitment to student success.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Physics at the University of Tulsa inherently fosters a global perspective due to the universal nature of physics and its impact on global challenges. Physics is the fundamental science that underpins advancements in areas like energy, technology, and space exploration, all of which have global implications. The program's research areas, such as nanotechnology, photovoltaics, and astrophysics, contribute to addressing worldwide issues. Furthermore, the faculty's strong collaborations with national laboratories and research institutions, coupled with a diverse student body, expose graduates to a broad range of scientific perspectives and prepare them to contribute to scientific progress on an international scale.
Location
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 27858
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 56 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
The University of Tulsa (TU) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. Attracting talented students from around the world, TU provides both merit-based and need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of higher education.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students admitted to TU are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs, with awards ranging from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships. The university looks for outstanding academic records, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement when awarding these scholarships.
International Student Scholarships: TU offers specific scholarships aimed at international students, including renewable awards that encourage academic excellence throughout the duration of the degree program. Some scholarships are designated for particular fields of study or for students demonstrating strong community involvement.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students may apply for assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. These positions not only offer financial support but also valuable professional experience within the university environment.
An M.S. in Physics from the University of Tulsa provides graduates with highly analytical, problem-solving, and computational skills that are valuable across a wide range of industries, not just traditional physics roles. The program's emphasis on advanced theoretical knowledge combined with practical experimental experience, often in cutting-edge research areas like optics, nanotechnology, and materials science, prepares students for impactful careers. The University of Tulsa highlights a high job placement rate for its physics graduates, with alumni working at major companies like Google, Intel, and Williams.
Research Scientist (Industry or Academia): Graduates can pursue research roles in corporate R&D departments (e.g., in electronics, materials, energy, or aerospace), national laboratories (e.g., NASA, Argonne National Laboratory), or continue to PhD programs and academic research, focusing on areas like quantum computing, advanced materials, or optics.
Data Scientist/Analyst: Physics graduates' strong quantitative, analytical, and computational skills are highly sought after in data science. They can work in various sectors (finance, tech, healthcare) to extract insights from large datasets, build predictive models, and optimize decision-making using statistical analysis and machine learning.
Engineer (e.g., Optical, Electrical, Materials, Systems): The foundational physics knowledge translates directly into various engineering disciplines. Graduates can work as optical engineers (designing lasers, sensors, imaging systems), electrical engineers (designing circuits, electronic devices), materials engineers (developing new materials with specific properties), or systems engineers (designing and integrating complex systems).
Software Developer/Engineer: With a strong background in computational physics, algorithms, and problem-solving, M.S. Physics graduates are well-suited for software development roles. They can work on scientific computing, simulations, data processing, or general software applications for tech companies.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): In the financial sector, quants use advanced mathematical and statistical models, often rooted in physics principles, to analyze market trends, assess risk, develop trading strategies, and price complex financial instruments for investment banks and hedge funds.
Medical Physicist: This specialized role involves applying physics principles to healthcare, particularly in medical imaging (MRI, X-ray), radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. They work in hospitals, clinics, and research settings to ensure the safe and effective use of medical technology for diagnosis and treatment.
Consultant (Technical/Management): The rigorous analytical and problem-solving skills acquired in a physics program are highly valued by consulting firms. Graduates can advise businesses on complex technical challenges, strategic planning, and operational efficiency across various industries.
Technical Writer/Editor: For those with excellent communication skills, a role as a technical writer or editor in scientific or engineering fields is an option. They translate complex technical information into clear, concise documentation, reports, or articles for diverse audiences.
Accelerator Operator/Scientist: Graduates can work at particle accelerators or large scientific facilities, operating complex equipment, conducting experiments, and contributing to research in high-energy physics, nuclear physics, or materials science.
Patent Examiner/Agent: With a deep understanding of scientific principles and potentially the ability to interpret technical specifications, physics graduates can work as patent examiners for government patent offices or as patent agents for law firms, assessing the novelty and inventiveness of new technologies.
