Master of Science in Physics - Optics and Photonics (Non ThesisTrack)

In addition to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics, we offer the Non-Thesis Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics Degree. This program is directed toward students who do not envision a commitment to research in Physics as part of their career goals. For example this Master's degree may be an option for prospective high school and junior college teachers who wish to gain an advanced perspective on the subject they teach and to open further career pathways in teaching. Students looking toward other professions, such as medicine or management, but needing an advanced technical background in the physical sciences, may also want to consider this option.

The Non-Thesis M.S. requires completion of the five courses listed above. In addition, fifteen elective graduate credit hours are required in Physics or a related field. However, the Thesis is replaced by a 2-credit hour report.

As an overview these are the main documents that will be required to submit to the Graduate CollegeTranscripts Original transcript from each college or university attended all transcripts submitted to the Graduate College must be official with the colleges or registrars original seal and should show any degrees completedResume Vitae Submit a Resume or Curriculum Vitae of your academic and professional backgrounds and experiences 1-2 pagesStatement of Purpose Submit a statement in your own words of your background academic preparation reasons for pursuing a degree in Physics or Photonics and career aspirations 1-2 pagesRecommendations Names and contact information of three 3 persons familiar with the applicants academic preparation to pursue a degree in Physics or Photonics andor jobrelated skills in these fieldsEnglish Proficiency for International Students All persons for whom English is a second language are required to present proof of English competencyAn official TOEFL score of at least 90 internet based test is required to be submitted The TOEFL institution code for OSU is 6546Alternatively an official IELTS academic stream overall band score of at least 7.0 may be submittedAnother alternative is an official PTE score of at least 61The examination must have been taken within the last two years Outstanding applicants with official TOEFL scores of 79-90 IELTS scores of 6.5-7.0 or PTE scores of 53-60 will also be considered for admission into the graduate programsAlthough the Graduate College does not require proof of English proficiency for an applicant who has or will have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary teaching language and which is located in a country where English is a primary language the applicant may still need to submit a TOEFL IELTS or PTE score to the Physics Department for employment as a Teaching AssistantPlease check the complete requirement description on the Graduate College English Proficiency pageGRE It is strongly recommended that applicants submit both general and subject test Physics GRE scores These scores will help us to determine the distribution of assistantships with tuition waivers We will review applications with self-reported scores but applicants should be aware that official scores may be requested before admission is formally offeredThe recommended cumulative grade point average for MS or PhD students is a minimum of 3.0 or higher.