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 Spring 2026 are available online August 1, 2025, until October 31, 2025.
  • Applications for graduate admission starting Fall 2026 are available online October 1, 2025, until May 31, 2026.
  • 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-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.

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* Please note the 2024-2025 University Catalog link may open slowly and contains certain out-of-date information regarding the Department Faculty.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

Please contact Professor Jose Rodriguez regarding Graduate Assistant (G.A.) and Teaching Assistant (T.A.) positions within the department.