Why concentrations?
The purpose of all concentrations is to prepare students for technical careers in industrial, governmental, and independent laboratories. Graduates are also well prepared to pursue Ph.D. programs.
Students who enter the Engineering Physics MS degree typically begin the program with little or no engineering experience and leave with a broad foundation in fundamental physics, hands-on practical and theoretical training in electrical and software engineering for automation and robotics. Upon graduation, students have developed troubleshooting techniques and problem-solving tools for dealing with sophisticated technical problems. Additionally, they have gained the versatility required for long-term success in a rapidly evolving technical environment.
What can I do with this degree?
Our graduates are very competitive in the job market and have been very successful in both industry and Ph.D. programs. Graduates that pursue industry-related careers after graduation tend to gain employment as: Systems Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Software Developers, Telescope Operators, Modelling and Simulation Engineers, and Test Engineers. Graduates who have pursued Ph.D. programs after graduation have focused on the following areas of study: Physics, Atmospheric Science, Chemical Physics, Material Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
Which concentration is right for me?
Systems and Laboratory Automation Concentration
- The Systems and Laboratory Automation specifically focuses on developing the students’ hands-on practical and theoretical training in electrical and software engineering for automation and robotics while offering the flexibility to take engineering physics courses only, or to pursue some coursework in other departments such as technology, mathematics, or computer science. This concentration also has a thesis option.
Professional Science Master's (PSM) Concentration
- The Professional Science Master's (PSM) concentration comes in two flavors: Instrumentation and Automation and Nanoscience for Advanced Materials. The PSM is a nationally affiliated degree that incorporates advanced training in engineering physics along with technical writing and MBA coursework. Some of our PSM students choose to pursue a dual degree with the MBA program. Students who pursue this option complete the coursework to receive both an M.S. and an MBA in three years.