Graduates of these programs will be able to:

• Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist. They will learn to think critically and analytically. They will learn how to define and solve problems in physics. The MS students will be exposed to quantitative research in a contemporary area of physics. The doctoral student will learn how to perform research in contemporary areas of physics research at the highest level and with a great deal of independence.

• Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.

• Communicate results of their work to peers, to various target groups within the physics community, and to people outside the discipline. Teaching skills also come under this heading.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Physics consists of graduate coursework and a research project taking one or two semesters. The research project should result in a Thesis which is to be defended orally. This degree provides entry-level qualifications for team research employment or a high school teaching career.