Physics, M.S.

Get a Master's in Physics

Physicists study natural phenomena in the world—everything from the subatomic scale to the vastness of the universe. Because physics is the study of how the world works, it is often considered one of the most fundamental of all the sciences and the reason many graduate students choose to earn a master’s in physics.

Scientific and technological advances in society are in part the result of physicists who work in theoretical analysis (developing ideas and using advanced mathematical and experimental tools to perform validation tests on theories) or in applied research. Graduates develop expertise for this scientific problem-solving with a master’s in physics from Florida Tech.

Physicists are found in many aspects of society from space exploration, high-tech companies (telecommunications or semiconductors, for example), and research firms, to medicine, product development, manufacturing, oil and gas, and more. A master’s in physics can also give students a chance to find an area of interest for specialization such as space physics, astronomy, astrophysics, geophysics, or engineering.

Choosing Florida Tech for a physics master’s degree gives students the expert faculty, tools, and resources they might expect to find at a larger university but at a smaller school with a more intimate learning environment. Students in the physics program are part of a university recognized as having the very first space sciences program in the world, and one that awards the largest number of physics bachelor’s degrees each year (according to the American Institute of Physics).

Florida Tech is strategically situated at the center of Florida’s high-tech corridor, home to more than 5,000 technological companies, including NASA. There is no better place to study for a physics master’s degree than in one of the most scientific and technology-oriented areas in the country.

Core competencies include analytics mechanics, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students apply their curriculum through world-class experiments such as the Compact Muon Solenoid at CERN by using our advanced Ortega .8-m telescope.

Flexible, Close-Knit Academic Community

Florida Tech has a low student-to-faculty ratio that provides an atmosphere of mentorship among students and faculty—something not every physics master’s degree program can offer. This type of academic community fosters peer collaboration and one-on-one attention that greatly benefits students who are focused on research. Faculty members are actively engaged in relevant industry research, which benefits classroom discussion and professional development.

Hands-On Research

Florida Tech designs its master’s in physics program to simulate the environments students will experience on the job. Working with faculty, research fellows and graduate students work in a collaborative environment to develop successful theoretical and research methodologies, and gain advanced skills in grant-writing.

This includes research conducted on campus, at one of Florida Tech’s many laboratories and may include work at off-campus facilities such as Fermilab in Chicago. With professors who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom, a culture that empowers graduates to be future leaders, and cutting-edge facilities, Florida Tech offers students the perfect setting in which to prepare for their career.

Graduate students earning a master’s in physics pursue faculty-led research topics that align with their career goals. The Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and other prestigious scientific organizations fund programs at Florida Tech.

High-Tech Facilities

Florida Tech is considered one of the top schools to get a master’s in physics. High-tech facilities in the F. W. Olin Physical Sciences Building include state-of-the-art laboratories, clean rooms and darkrooms, and a 3,000 sq. ft. high bay area and rooftop observatory. The university has a large, staffed machine shop, as well as an electronics facility, complete with microelectronics and fiber optics lab.

Conducting hands-on research and participating in other learning experiences are an important part of every degree program at Florida Tech. Giving students hands-on activities with the tools and techniques they will use in future career-related scientific research provides valuable experience for students to better understand their chosen field.

Research opportunities may include work conducted on campus at one of our many labs or off-campus at various national and international facilities. Core competencies include analytics mechanics, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.

Some of the organizations around the world that provide Florida Tech students with opportunities include:

• CERN in Switzerland
• Harris Corp.
• NASA Kennedy Space Center
• Lockheed-Martin

Physics research topics could include design and construction of detector systems for experimentation, data collection and analysis. Students are encouraged to publish their physics research in noted industry journals, including:

• Nature
• Science
• Scientific American
• Physics Today
• American Geophysical Union
• Physical Review
• Reviews of Modern Physics

The Society of Physics Students is a professional organization designed and run by students to help them achieve their goals of obtaining physics internships and careers. Members participate in experiments, presentations, and weekly discussions.

Since 1958, the physics program at Florida Tech has set the standard, preparing graduates for top-level careers with high tech firms, space agencies and research firms. Florida Tech is strategically situated at the center of Florida’s high-tech corridor that is home to more than 5,000 technological companies, including NASA. There is no better place to look for careers in physics than here—one of the most scientific and technologic areas in the country.

Career Outlook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things.

Scientific research and development services firms, technology companies, the federal government, industry, and the medical community employ most of the world’s physicists. The outlook for careers in physics is expected to grow by 14% through 2020 as society continues to demand technology-based solutions and everything from medicine and engineering dominate industry growth.

The handbook provides detailed information about physics careers in a variety of categories from science, medicine, manufacturing, industry, and engineering. Check the handbook for a list of career options or similar occupations.

Career Options

• Physicist
• Astronomer
• Biophysicist (doctoral or professional degree required)
• Aerospace simulation engineer
• Chemical and material scientist
• Computer and information research scientist
• Test engineer
• Staff data scientist
• Electrical and electronics engineer
• Geoscientist
• Researcher
• Quality assurance engineer
• Postsecondary teacher (doctoral or professional degree required)

Doctoral Program

Careers in physics can be pursued immediately after graduation, or students can continue their education in a doctoral program at Florida Tech, conducting advanced research and prepare for a career in academia. For full-time doctoral graduate research assistants, full-pay scholarships are available.