Department of Physics
190 Mathematics and Science Center (map)
(248) 370-3416 • Fax (248) 370-3408
www.oakland.edu/physics

Graduate Coordinator:
Ilias Cholis
186F Mathematics and Science Center
(248) 370-3419
cholis@oakland.edu

Program Description

The program leading to the Master of Science in physics degree consists of courses, research, seminar participation, a final written research report, and an oral presentation of that research. Students receiving the degree will be prepared to work toward the Doctor of Philosophy in physics, to teach at the junior college level, or to work in industry.

The average candidate entering in the fall semester will usually require two and a half academic years to complete the degree. A well-prepared candidate should complete the required courses and research credits in four semesters. Each student’s program will be adjusted to his/her/their interests and background.

Admission Terms and Application Deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

July 15 for fall semester
November 15 for winter semester
March 15 for summer semester
International applicants

Application Requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

Graduate Application Requirements
Additional department application requirements

Strong background in physics and mathematics.
Recommendation for Graduate Admission form:
Three recommendations must be from faculty members or professionals in the field who can evaluate the scholarly achievement and potential of the applicant.

Admission Review and Assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in physics degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 36 credits in an approved program of study.

Course Requirements (36 credits)

a. Core Requirements (5 credits)

course Seminar (1 credit)
course Quantum Mechanics (4 credits)

b. Electives (23 credits)

Twenty-three credits of additional 5000 or 6000-level courses approved by the department, which may include additional research credits.

c. Exit (8 credits)

course Master of Science Research (8 credits)
Final written report or critical essay

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student’s successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state and university aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional details.

Good Academic Standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good Academic Standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0 (B) or better.

Good academic standing is a requirement for:

Holding a Graduate Assistantship
Receiving a fellowship or scholarship
Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree
Going on a leave of absence
Obtaining a graduate certificate or degree from Oakland University.

Additionally, graduate students must meet all department academic standards which may be more stringent than the minimum set forth by the University.

Graduate students who are not in good academic standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or dismissal from further graduate study.

Related Program Information

Plan of Study

All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty program adviser, must develop a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements. The plan of study must be approved by the faculty program adviser and submitted by the student to Oakland University Graduate School.

Master’s and graduate certificate students must submit a department-approved plan of study by the end of their first semester of graduate coursework. Doctoral students must submit an approved plan of study prior to completion of the first year of coursework. (See the Graduate Student Responsibility section of this catalog.)

Note: Credit granted for successful completion of a course toward an undergraduate degree program may not be repeated for a graduate degree. If a substitution is approved, the minimum number of program-approved graduate credits will be required. A Petition of Exception - OU Course Waiver/ Substitution requesting the substitution must be approved.

Physics

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General

Requirements

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