Graduate Program

Master of Science Degree in Physics

Our department offers a Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Physics for students interested in employment in industry, government, community college teaching, and/or doctorate (Ph.D.) programs in physics, astronomy, and related fields. We have both a Research Option and a Course Option depending on your desired path. The culmination of the Research Option is a research thesis and oral thesis defense. The Course Option culminates in a comprehensive exam. Both options require the completion of core graduate courses, about three to four courses per semester, and the program is typically completed in two years.  

Applications for graduate admission starting Fall 2025 are due by May 31, 2025. 

  • The minimum requirements for graduate admission into our Master's Degree program are a Bachelor's Degree (any major), and a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or greater.
  • Applicants with Bachelor Degrees in disciplines other than physics or astronomy are encouraged to apply; advisement will be provided for completing prerequisite coursework.
  • The main website for the graduate application process at Cal State LA is: https://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/graduate-application-and-admission
  • The direct link to start the online application is: https://www.calstate.edu/apply; select "Los Angeles" from among the 23 different Cal State campus locations.
  • The Cal State Apply application fee is $70 for each campus program you apply to; unfortunately, fee waivers are not available for Graduate applicants.
  • Fall 2025 semester starts Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

University Catalog Details*

* Please note the 2024-2025 University Catalog link may open slowly and contains certain out-of-date information regarding the Department Faculty.

Physics Masters Degree Course Roadmap

Graduate Physics Courses

In addition to the 5000-level graduate courses linked above, all 4000-level courses may be applied toward Master’s Degree requirements, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser. These courses include the following:

4000-Level Astronomy Courses

4000-Level Physics Courses

As of May 2025, unless there is a change in the budgetary outlook, funding for Graduate Assistant (G.A.) and Teaching Assistant (T.A.) positions in our department will not be available for Fall 2025.