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This archived information is dated to the 2008-09 academic year only and may no longer be current.

For currently applicable policies and information, see the current Stanford Bulletin.

Master of Science in Applied Physics

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Graduate Programs in Applied Physics

The University's basic requirements for the master's degree are discussed in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin. The minimum requirements for the degree are 45 units, of which at least 39 units must be graduate-level courses in applied physics, engineering, mathematics, and physics. The required program consists of the following:

  1. Courses in Physics and Mathematics to overcome deficiencies, if any, in undergraduate preparation.
  2. Basic graduate courses (letter grade required):
    1. Advanced Mechanics—one quarter, 3 units: PHYSICS 210, or approved substitute 211
    2. Electrodynamics—two quarters, 6 units: PHYSICS 220, 221
    3. Quantum Mechanics—two quarters, 6 units: PHYSICS 230, 231, or approved substitutes 232, 330, 331, 332, 370
  3. 30 units of additional advanced courses in science and/or engineering. 15 of the 30 units may be any combination of advanced courses, Directed Study (APPPHYS 290), and 1-unit seminar courses, to complete the requirement of 45 units. Examples of suitable courses include BIO 217, 232; EE 222, 223, 231, 232, 248, 268, 346; PHYSICS 372, 373. At least 15 of these 30 units must be taken for a letter grade.
  4. A final overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) is required for courses used to fulfill degree requirements.

There are no department or University examinations, and a thesis is not required. If a student is admitted to the M.S. program only, but later wishes to change to the Ph.D. program, the student must apply to the department's Admissions Committee.

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