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Research Opportunities

Students entering graduate studies in Physics have access to many cutting edge research opportunities that will prepare them for further graduate study, or STEM careers in related fields.

• Experimental High Energy Particle Physics: WSU has a strong experimental particle physics group consisting of Prof. Solomey, Assoc. Prof. Meyer, and Assistant Prof. Muether. This group is working on the NOvA Neutrino experiment, the leading US HEP experiment, and has access to data that would support analyses for many graduate students at both the Masters and PhD level. Students following this course of research have been successful in attaining academic position and data science positions in industry. A major focus on the research coming out of this group revolves around using large amounts of computing resources to analyses large complicated data set (i.e., big data type problems).
• Theoretical High Energy Particle Physics: Prof. Terrance Figy is leading an active research program focused on Higgs boson collider phenomenology.
• Condensed Matter: Currently led by Hussein Hamdeh, WSU condensed matter physics focuses on magnetic materials and nano particles and has produced many past physics theses, joint projects with Material Engineering, and consistent external funding. Student completing this course of study would be well suited to enter a PhD program in Solid State physics or Material Science/Engineering, or pursue engineering careers.
• Quantum Information Theory: Prof. Behrman is studying quantum computing and information theory. This line of research should produce many varied research topics and would have natural ties to computer science. Student pursuing this research would be prepared for continuation in a related PhD program or a career in information technology and theory.
• Computational Astrophysics: Prof. Ferguson's research in computational astrophysics would provide student an opportunity to learn how to model complicated system. These students would be prepared for continues graduate study or STEM related careers where modeling is crucial.

Degree Requirements

The MS degree in physics requires the successful completion of a Plan of Study approved by the student's advisor and the department chairperson. Two options are available: a 36-hour non-thesis program and a 30-hour program that includes a research project written as a thesis.
Students in either option must take at least 12 hours in courses numbered 800 or above. The department recommends the each Plan of Study include PHYS 821, Classical Mechanics; PHYS 831, Electricity and Magnetism; PHYS 871, Statistical Mechanics; and PHYS 811, Quantum Mechanics. A typical Plan of Study may consist of up to 12 hours of course work taken outside the department.

Sample Plan of Study