Our 30- to 33-credit-hour graduate physics degree will introduce you to advanced concepts in physics and technical or scientific areas of interest to you for your career. The core of our graduate physics degree includes 12 credits in foundational physics courses that will prepare you to dive into sophisticated specialties in physics. Our engaging graduate physics courses are another reason why our physics program is among the best in the state.
The flexibility of our graduate physics program lets you decide the answer to that question, “what can you do with a physics degree?” We offer three options so you can earn the master’s degree in physics that’s right for you. These include:
Thesis option (30 credits):
Take 12 credits of additional PHYS or technical electives with approval of your advisor. You’ll then research, write, and defend a thesis. This is an ideal option for physics degree students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in physics or a related field.
Project option (33 credits):
You will take 15 credits of additional PHYS or technical electives courses approved by your advisor, who will then supervise your work on a unique project. This option can prepare you for a career after graduation in the private or government sectors.
Course-only option (30 credits):
When you take the course-only option, you’ll take 18 credits of additional PHYS or EES courses with the approval of your advisor. This is a great option for students who want to learn about and build a broad range of knowledge in many different aspects of physics.
Master of Science in Physics
Become a leading physicist in the private, academic, or government sector with a Master of Science in Physics from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University.
With government and private companies investing more funding in space exploration and the climate crisis worsening across the globe, skilled physicists and atmospheric scientists are increasingly in high demand. Earning a Master of Science in Physics or Atmospheric Science from N.C. A&T will prepare you for some of the most impactful and fast-growing careers in science today.
If you’re like many students considering this program, you might be asking, “What can you do with a physics degree?” Well, from the study of black holes to predicting climate change to understanding how fundamental physics affects the human body, physicists pull from many disciplines to help individuals comprehend the world around them in new and sophisticated ways every day. A graduate physics degree from N.C. A&T will open the door to exciting careers around the globe in prestigious government agencies, private companies, and media outlets.
As you earn your master’s degree in physics or atmospheric sciences at N.C. A&T, you’ll work with some of the top scientists in the world in rigorous courses from various academic disciplines — including biophysics, atmospheric chemistry and physics, air quality, atmospheric sciences, meteorology, astrophysics, and nuclear physics.
Why earn your Master of Science in Physics at N.C. A&T?
There are so many reasons why our physics program ranks among the best physics programs in the region. For nearly a quarter of a century we’ve been helping aspiring physicists and atmospheric scientists develop into well-rounded, knowledgeable professionals who can lead a team and collaborate with others to solve some of the most complex problems in the universe.
When you earn your physics degree at N.C. A&T, you’ll also benefit from:
A unique physics degree. We offer a flexible Master of Science in Physics degree with three different options: thesis, project, and course-only options. You’ll choose your option depending on your career goals and whether you want to pursue a Ph.D. program. We also require fewer core courses in our graduate physics degree, so you can design your curriculum to align with your interests and aspirations.
World-class labs and classrooms. At N.C. A&T, our physics degree program will give you access to our state-of-the-art atmospheric chemistry and laser lab, biophysics lab, nuclear physics facility, and planetarium. Work with the same cutting-edge software, equipment, and tools used by professional physicists and atmospheric scientists throughout the world.
Master’s degree in physics concentrations
Physics
Our Master of Science in Physics program will prepare you to enter a Ph.D. program in physics or related areas or to build a career as a researcher or educator.
Atmospheric Sciences
You might be asking, “What can you do with a physics degree that involves addressing climate change?” If so, our physics degree atmospheric sciences concentration can give you the expertise and experience you’ll need for careers in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service, NASA, and many other science organizations.
Dream. Career paths for master’s degree in physics graduates
At N.C. A&T, our graduates’ success is our success. That’s why our Master of Science in Physics emphasizes the professional and industry skills in physics and related fields to help our students stand out from others — just one of the many things that make us one of the best physics programs in the region for job placement.
You might still be wondering, “What can you do with a physics degree?” Many of our master’s degree in physics graduates are accepted into prestigious Ph.D. programs across the country to continue honing their expertise and increasing their career potential. If you’re interested in a career in higher education or a leadership position in research, pursuing a Ph.D. is the best next step you can take.
Our physics degree graduates also find rewarding careers as meteorologists at local and national news channels, as well as managers and chief technology officers at private companies.
Some of the positions and career paths that a Master of Science in Physics from N.C. A&T can prepare you for include:
- Researcher
- Astronomer
- Geophysics
- Meteorologist
- Engineer
- Technical author
- Acoustic consultant
Connect. Master’s degree in physics faculty
One of the main features that help us rank among the best physics programs in the state is our highly distinguished faculty. Thanks to small class sizes in our graduate physics degree program, you’ll get to work alongside faculty mentors who have won Presidential Mentoring Awards for their exceptional teaching and advising methods. You’ll also learn from professors who are included in the top 2% of scientists in the world, according to Stanford University.
Whatever your specific interest in physics or a related discipline, you’ll find faculty mentors from multiple departments to guide you through mastering the concepts and research methods to succeed in that field. Whether you want to learn about biophysics, atmospheric science and meteorology, or nuclear physics, we have what you need to excel, both academically and professionally.
Meet the physics degree program faculty and staff
Achieve. Master’s degree in physics courses and curriculum
Explore. Scholarships and financial aid for master’s degree in physics students
Dedicating your education and career to uncovering the mysteries of the universe or fighting climate change is a huge investment in your future — and the futures of those your work will impact. That’s why N.C. A&T and our Department of Physics invest in you through graduate student support in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. After all, in addition to being one of the best physics programs in the state, N.C. A&T is also the #1 most affordable leading university in North Carolina, according to Money Magazine.
The financial support offered to most incoming graduate physics degree students is in the form of a teaching assistantship and requires up to 20 hours per week of instructional-related service. With this opportunity you can pay for your degree while earning real-world teaching experience and building a robust resume.
Learn more about financial aid for graduate students.
Discover. Programs related to the Master of Science in Physics degree
If you’re considering joining our master’s degree in physics program, you may also be interested in learning more about this similar graduate program at N.C A&T:
Ph.D. in Applied Science and Technology with a Concentration in Physics
