Graduate Degrees
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers graduate programs leading to three advanced degrees in physics: the Master of Arts (M.A.), the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
The graduate program in physics prepares students for professional careers in research, teaching and developmental applications of physics. Entering students spend a year and a half in intensive course work providing a broad background in advanced physics regardless of degree objective. Subsequent training usually includes a mix of course work and independent research. The doctoral program affords exceptionally close collaboration between students and faculty.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites
The prerequisite for graduate study in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is a bachelor's (or master's) degree in physics.
Criteria
All applicants for admission must take the Graduate Record Examinations, including the Physics Subject Test. Transcripts of undergraduate records as well as transcripts of any graduate-level courses are required. The TOEFL is required of international students applying for a teaching assistantship and is advised for those applying for admission only.
Procedure
Applicants may be admitted to the program at the beginning of fall or spring semester.
Degree Requirements
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Master of Science and Master of Arts in Physics
Residence
All M.S. and M.A. degree students, except those enrolled in work-study programs, are expected to take at least three, three-unit courses for each of two semesters. Students admitted with advanced standing to the master's program may transfer one course (four units) toward the master's requirements.
Foreign Language Requirement
There is no foreign language requirement for the M.S. or M.A.
Course Requirements
Option A The M.S. degree requires a thesis plus satisfactory completion of seven courses, of which no more than one course may be 590 Directed Research. Option B The M.A. degree requires satisfactory completion of eight courses, exclusive of 590. The required courses for either option are PHYS 504a, 508a and 558a. For either option at least five courses must be at the 500 level or higher and remaining courses at the 400 level or higher; at least five courses must be in physics. All required physics courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better. No upper division courses required for the B.A. in Physics may be counted for credit toward the M.A. or M.S. degree.
Comprehensive Examination
At the end of their first year of graduate study, all students in physics are required to take the departmental screening examination which also serves as the comprehensive examination for the M.A. degree. A high level of performance on this examination is required if a student is considered to have passed the comprehensive examination for the master's, and a superior level is required for admission to, or continuation in, the Ph.D. program.
Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
Residence
All Ph.D. students in physics are expected to enroll in at least three, three-unit courses for at least four semesters in graduate school. Students admitted with advanced standing in the Ph.D. program may transfer up to 30 units, or its equivalent, of acceptable work completed elsewhere.
Foreign Language Requirement
There is no foreign language requirement for the Ph.D.
Course Requirements
The student is expected to have prepared for understanding all branches of physics. A minimum of 14 courses, excluding dissertation and directed research courses, taken at this university and elsewhere, is required. At least 10 courses must be at the 500 level or higher and at least 10 courses must be in physics. A total of 60 units of credit is required. The required courses for the Ph.D. are PHYS 504a, 508ab, 510ab, 518a, 540, 558ab and 668. All required physics courses must be passed with a grade of B or better.
Screening Procedure
Any student proceeding toward the Ph.D. in physics must pass the departmental screening examination at the end of the first year of graduate study.
Guidance Committee
The associate chair for graduate studies serves as advisor to incoming students and assists in the appointment of the guidance committee, which is formed after the screening examination has been passed. After the student passes the qualifying examination and a dissertation topic is approved, the five-member guidance committee becomes known as the dissertation committee and is responsible for monitoring the candidate's progress and for approving the final content and form of the dissertation.
Qualifying Examination
This examination consists of two parts, a written examination administered by the Departmental Examination Committee and an oral examination administered by the student's guidance committee. The examination takes place during the fourth or fifth semester of graduate study.
Dissertation
A doctoral dissertation in physics is expected to be an extensive description of original research carried out by the student. A complete discussion of reported research in relation to previous work by others is essential.
Defense of the Dissertation
The dissertation must be defended in a final oral examination. The candidate must be prepared to answer general questions in the field as well as specific questions regarding the dissertation.
Research Areas
Opportunities for research are offered in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, elementary particle theory, lasers, ultralow temperature physics, nonlinear optics, quantum electronics, solid-state physics, and space physics.
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Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
Joye Day
day@mizar.usc.edu