College of Arts and Sciences
Physics (M.S.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics (M.S.)
From Theory to Discovery — Master Physics at NMSU
At NMSU’s Department of Physics, the M.S. in Physics offers a flexible, rigorous graduate pathway designed for students eager to deepen their understanding of fundamental science and sharpen their research skills. You’ll engage in coursework and optional thesis work in cutting-edge areas like particle and nuclear physics, condensed matter, materials science, and geophysics — all supported by collaborations with national laboratories and research-intensive faculty.
Admission Deadlines
February 15 (fall), November 1 (spring)
- Total credits: 30
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates of the M.S. in Physics leave with powerful analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across sectors. Typical career paths include:
- Research scientist or laboratory specialist in industry or government
- Data analyst or modeling specialist in tech, finance, or engineering firms
- Materials or instrumentation engineer in high-tech manufacturing or defense
- Technical consultant or scientific software developer
- Pre-doctoral student or engineering track professional preparing for Ph.D. study
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science in Physics? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.S. in Physics at NMSU?
Choosing NMSU’s M.S. in Physics means joining a program that blends deep scientific training with real-world relevance. With research assistantships, access to national labs like Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, and a range of experimental and theoretical research domains, you’ll be positioned to thrive in academic or professional contexts where advanced physics matters.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Master's degree requires that students either pass the qualifying examination at the Master's level or identify a research advisor during the first semester of study, form a Graduate Committee, and write a thesis. Students must also successfully complete or transfer at least 30 course credits and pass a final oral examination or the doctoral comprehensive examination. Of these 30 credits, at least 21 must be in physics, at most 3 may be for individual study or other informal courses, at most 6 may be for a thesis, and at most 9 may be numbered between 450 and 499.
Take classes like:
- PHYS 576 - Advanced Computational Physics I
- PHYS 571 - Advanced Experimental Optics
- PHYS 593 - Advanced Experimental Nuclear Physics
- PHYS 554 - Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYS 511 - Mathematical Methods of Physics I
- PHYS 568 - Elements of X-ray Diffraction
New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers a space physics program through its graduate-level Master of Science in Physics degree and is a key focus area within its Astronomy program. Students conduct research using a variety of methods, such as spacecraft detectors and ground-based telescopes, focusing on areas like solar physics, space weather, and stellar processes.
Take classes like:
- PHYS 551 - Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 597 - Space Plasma Physics
- PHYS 554 - Quantum Mechanics I
- ASTR 620 - Planetary Processes
- ME 553 - Numerical Methods for Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
- EE 460 - Space System Mission Design and Analysis
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.