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May 16, 2024
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2023-2024 Academic Catalog
Physics, MS
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 Return to: Academic Programs
Contact Information
Dr. Xinhua Bai, Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Physics
Electrical Engineering & Physics 217
E-mail: Xinhua.Bai@sdsmt.edu
Department Website
Students are responsible for checking with their advisors for any program modifications that may occur after the publication of this catalog.
MS in Physics
The MS in Physics is a collaborative program between South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and the University of South Dakota. It includes both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires a thesis based on original research; For the non-thesis option the thesis requirement is substituted with additional coursework and a research project. The Accelerated MS option is not available for this degree.
Except for Topics and Independent Study courses, graduate courses are offered on a rotational basis. Graduate course offering schedule is available at www.phy.sdsmt.edu/~bai/GraduateProgramInfo/CourseSchedule.html. Topics and Independent Study courses must be scheduled with faculty instructors separately. Contact department for other questions on course offerings.
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Degree requirements for thesis option
Distribution of credits
Core requirements: 19 credits
Research or project requirements: 7 credits
Elective requirements: 6 credits
Total credits: 32
At least 16 of the required 32 credits must be taken at the 600-level or above. Students who complete the Physics core and research or project requirements described below will automatically fulfill this requirement.
Research or project requirements
The completion of a master’s thesis, approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee and the Dean of Graduate Education, is required for this degree.
Elective requirements
All elective courses must be approved by the student’s graduate advisor. Electives may be chosen from the list below. At least 6 credits of approved electives must be earned.
Degree requirements for non-thesis option
Distribution of credits
Core requirements: 19 credits
Research or project requirements: 2 credits
Elective requirements: 11 credits
Total credits: 32
At least 16 of the required 32 credits must be taken at the 600-level or above. Students who complete the Physics core and research or project requirements described below will automatically fulfill this requirement.
Research or project requirements
The completion of a master’s project, approved by the student’s graduate advisor, is required for this degree.
- PHYS 788 Research Problems/Projects Credits: 1 to 5 **
** Two (2) credits of PHYS 788 are required for this option. Additional credits of PHYS 788 may be needed to complete the research assignments but will not be counted toward the degree. - PHYS 798 Thesis Credits: 1 to 9 ***
- PHYS 898D Dissertation Credits: 1 to 9 ***
***South Dakota Mines students are permitted to use 2 credits of PHYS 798 or 898D as a substitution for PHYS 788.
Elective requirements
All elective courses must be approved by the student’s graduate advisor. Electives may be chosen from the list below.
Examinations
No final degree examination is required for the non-thesis option.
Objectives and Outcomes
Objective 1: Attainment of Advanced Knowledge in Physics
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Depth in Foundational Theories: Physics M.S. candidates should demonstrate a profound understanding of the fundamental theories underlying classical mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, including their mathematical and conceptual underpinnings.
- Specialized Expertise: Physics M.S. candidates should demonstrate a deeper comprehension of one or more specialized fields within physics, such as condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, astroparticle physics, or particle astronomy, demonstrating an advanced understanding of the complexities and nuances within these domains.
Objective 2: Proficiency in Performing Effective Research
Student Learning Outcomes:
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- Experimental Skills and Analysis (Experimental Focus): Physics M.S. students concentrating on experimental physics should demonstrate proficiency in professional laboratory equipment operation, and data analysis and interpretation. They should also exhibit adeptness in designing and executing experiments to investigate physical phenomena.
- Theoretical Application and Extension (Theoretical Focus): Physics M.S. students concentrating on theoretical subfields should demonstrate the ability to apply, extend, or adapt existing theories or models to describe, explain, and study physical phenomena effectively.
- Preparation for Diverse Career Paths: Physics M.S. graduates should be equipped with the skills necessary to pursue careers in various industries, education, or technical management, leveraging their deep knowledge and research abilities for success.
Objective 3: Proficiency in Effective Communication
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Clear and Comprehensive Scientific Communication through Presentation and Writing: Students will proficiently communicate scientific and technical concepts and ideas in oral and written form, demonstrating conciseness, completeness, and precision in their articulation, with appropriate language and proper syntax.
- Diverse Communication Mediums: Students will skillfully organize and communicate ideas using various mediums including words, mathematical equations, tables, graphs, images, animations, diagrams, and other visualization tools, effectively conveying complex physics concepts and ideas.
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