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.
* Please note the 2024-2025 University Catalog link may open slowly and contains certain out-of-date information regarding the Department Faculty.
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:
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.
- The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) is the go-to information source regarding Cal State LA graduate student policies and procedures.
- The Graduate Resource Center, part of OGS (above), provides academic support, professional development opportunities, and more. We strongly encourage you to sign up for their Canvas site here.