Specific programs designed to meet the needs of the individual student are planned in consultation with the graduate advisors. In addition to the general university regulations governing master's degree programs, the Department of Physics has requirements designed to assure both the faculty and the student that s/he possesses the ability and experience expected of a master's candidate by the scientific community.

It is expected that a student with a baccalaureate degree in physics will be able to complete the degree in two years. This assumes that s/he is a full-time student and holds a graduate teaching assistantship during the entire two years.The graduate student should be aware that continuation as a teaching assistant at any point in the program is not guaranteed. Such assistantship can be continued for up to a maximum of two years, based on the student's demonstrated progress in the program, among other factors.