Online master's in physics
Interested in pursuing an online master's in physics? Continue reading to learn how to find and apply to the right program for you.
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Why earn an online master's in physics?
Gain analytical skills
Develop strong analytical skills that can benefit you in various educational and professional settings.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge
Master's in physics graduates develop strong research skills and are able to synthesize their advanced knowledge, which may be desirable for employers.
Qualify for doctoral programs
Earning a master's in physics can help you qualify for and apply to doctoral programs.
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What is an MS in physics?
A master of science (MS) in physics is an advanced degree that studies the workings of nature, time, and energy. Enrolling in a master's in physics program can help you develop strong analytical skills and advanced industry knowledge.
In addition to coursework, typically require a thesis or other capstone project. With online master's programs in physics, you can complete your degree with minimal disruption to work or family obligations.
What can you do with a master's in physics?
Earning a master's in physics can help you qualify for a variety of roles or pursue further education in a PhD program.
Some master's in physics graduates customize their degrees with engineering electives and go on to pursue engineering roles in fields like computer science and nuclear energy. Potential job titles include:
- Materials engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Computer hardware engineer
Earning a doctoral degree can also help you pursue advanced research and teaching roles. With a PhD, you can qualify for physicist or astronomer positions with the federal government, universities, or private laboratories.
Although a master's degree can help you qualify for some postsecondary teaching positions, most college professors typically need a doctoral degree.
Salary expectations for graduates
Many graduates with an MS in physics go on to pursue a doctoral degree. Graduates who enter the workforce without a doctoral degree often qualify for various engineering roles.
Although a master's degree is not required for many of these positions, employers often take graduate school experience into account when making hiring decisions. Applicants with a master's degree often qualify for higher paying roles with more responsibilities than applicants who only hold an undergraduate degree.
The table below outlines salary projections for several jobs that MS physics program graduates may wish to pursue.
| Job | Median annual salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Materials engineers | $104,100 |
| Aerospace engineers | $130,720 |
| Mechanical engineers | $99,510 |
| Postsecondary physics teacher | $98,020 |
| Computer hardware engineers | $138,080 |
What can you learn in a graduate physics program?
A master's in physics can cover topics like cosmology and astrophysics as well as topics with more practical applications like materials science.
While completing a master's program in physics, you can develop analytical and mathematical skills and become familiar with advanced theories and methods in the field.
Master's programs typically require at least 30 credits and usually take about two years of full-time study to complete. Some programs may offer accelerated degrees. Part-time students typically take longer to earn their degree.
Admissions requirements for an online master's in physics
Typically, requirements for entry into a master's in physics program include:
- A bachelor's degree
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum scores on a standardized test like the GRE
- Academic letters of recommendation
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- A personal statement
- A writing sample
Make sure you consult your prospective school's website to determine the exact admissions requirements.
Explore the master's in physics curriculum
Master's in physics programs usually include a combination of core and elective courses. Every student must take core courses like classical and quantum mechanics.
You can choose elective courses to tailor your education to your particular professional goals. For example, if you are interested in a career in engineering, you may take materials science courses.
Below are a few courses you can expect to encounter:
- Classical mechanics: Develop the skills to describe the macroscopic world using concepts such as space, time, and force.
- Electromagnetic theory: Study electromagnetic phenomena. This course unpacks the implications of Maxwell's equations, a mathematical model dealing with electric and magnetic fields.
- Quantum mechanics: Understand the behavior of matter at the subatomic level. Concepts include Schroedinger's wave equation, the uncertainty principle, and superposition.
- Statistical physics: Learn about probability, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics. Statistical physics supports industrial applications in fields like information theory and chemistry.
- Materials science: Explore the properties of different materials, including metals, polymers, and composites.
Take the next step in your career
Whether you're interested in practical applications or cosmological questions, a master's in physics can offer you the chance to sharpen your analytical skills, learn fundamental theories and methods, and discover how nature works.
Explore edX degree programs in physics or sign up for an online course today.
Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?
Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.