Master’s in Physics in USA: Eligibility, Universities & Jobs
United States of America, home to the world-renowned space agency NASA, is the top favourite study destination for Indian students who want to make their career in physics and astronomy. Undoubtedly, the degree earned in the USA universities is recognised worldwide. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students go to the USA to fulfill their dreams since the country offers abundant academic opportunities, research, and employment opportunities.
In this blog, we have discussed how to pursue a Master’s in Physics in the USA, including their top universities, their rankings, tuition fees, application process, and more.
- Master’s in Physics in the USA: Introduction
- 5 Reasons to Pursue the Master’s in Physics in the USA
- Top USA Universities for Master’s of Science in Physics
- Master’s in Physics Course Without GRE
- Specialisations in Master’s in Physics in the USA
- Master’s in Physics in the USA: Course Structure & Subjects
- Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Physics in the USA
- Required Documents for Master’s of Science in Physics
- How to Apply for a Master’s in Physics in the USA?
- Jobs after Master’s in Physics in the USA
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Master’s in Physics in the USA: Introduction
Physics is a branch of natural science that deals with the study of nature, as well as the properties of matter and energy. It also includes the study of fundamental laws that govern the natural world’s behaviour, such as motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, etc.
The USA, being the forefront player in providing a diverse range of world-class academic programs, also offers Master’s of Science in Physics, which imparts knowledge and skills relevant to the study of the universe, both at the micro and macro levels. Physics is one of the major subjects in the STEM field, providing Indian students worldwide with extensive academic research and job opportunities.
5 Reasons to Pursue the Master’s in Physics in the USA
If you are planning to study the Master’s of Science in Physics course in the USA, then you must be aware of the significant advantages that come with it. United States of America is considered a top-notch leader in providing academic, research, and employment opportunities. This is due to the presence of cutting-edge technology, strong economy, modern infrastructure, and adaptability that it houses. Let us discuss some of the top reasons for pursuing a Master’s in Physics in the USA.
Interest and Motivation: The primary role that physicists play is to conduct research to solve the mysteries of the universe, such as the nature of space and time, the unification of fundamental forces of nature, time traveling, the concept of black holes, etc., which excites the scientific community. If you are interested in experiencing this, then this field is for you.
Home to World-Class Universities: The USA universities attract hundreds of thousands of students worldwide each year because of their flexible education system, exposure to leading industrialists, and diverse social structure.
OPT and H1-B Visa: After completing the Master’s in Physics in the USA, Indian students are eligible to seek an optional practical training program that allows them to stay in the country for upto 3 years. They also get support from the employers who sponsor them for H1-B Visa for long-term stay.
High Demand for STEM Graduates: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029.
Diverse Specialisations: Indian students desiring to pursue a Master’s of Science in the USA are provided with various specialisation courses such as Quantum Mechanics, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Thermodynamics, etc., which they study during their academic duration.
Top USA Universities for Master’s of Science in Physics
Following are some of the best USA universities that provide Master’s degrees in Physics and its related fields, along with their QS World University Ranking by subject (Physics and Astronomy) and tuition fee per year.
| University | Degree Type | QS World University Ranking by Subject (Physics & Astronomy | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | MS in Applied Physics | 4 | USD 30,015 |
| Cornell University | MS in Applied Physics | 21 | USD 29,500 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign | Master’s of Science in Physics | 24 | USD 19,138 |
| Columbia University | MS in Applied Physics | 28 | USD 62,016 |
| University of South California | MS in Applied Physics | 201 | USD 35,602 |
| Northeastern University | MS in Applied Physics and Engineering | 251 | USD 29,800 |
| Michigan Technological University | MS in Physics | - | USD 25,346 |
| University of Massachusetts at Boston | Master’s in Applied Physics | 501 | USD 29,060 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | MS in Applied Physics | 501 | USD 32,040 |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | MS in Applied Physics | 601 | USD 31,680 |
Master’s in Physics Course Without GRE
In some USA universities, Indian students are not required to submit their GRE scores. They are:
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Columbia University
- Stanford University
- Michigan Technological University
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
Specialisations in Master’s in Physics in the USA
Studying a Master’s of Science in Physics involves thorough exposure to various specialisations based on interests and motivations. These specialisations cover the broader aspect of physics and help students understand the principles and laws that govern the working of the universe. Following are some top specialisations under the Master’s of Physics in the USA.
Astrophysics and Cosmology: They both are related fields that study how stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies are formed, evolve and end.
Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information: It deals with the study of properties, behaviour, and existence of subatomic particles and their relationship with each other.
Nuclear Physics: Nuclear Physics deals with the study of radioactive elements, including their properties, interaction, and real-life applications in various fields of science.
Plasma Physics: Plasma Physics is the study of the nature, behaviour, and properties of plasma, a fourth state of matter other than solid, liquid, and gas.
Geophysics: This specialisation imparts knowledge and understanding of the structure and behaviour of the Earth, both on its surface and interior.
Computational Physics: Under this specialisation, students learn about the tools and techniques, particularly Python, MATLAB, and C++, which help them solve the complex problems that arise in the domain of Physics.
Master’s in Physics in the USA: Course Structure & Subjects
Depending on the university, the course structure and availability of subjects might differ. In this section, we have presented the general list of academic modules and subject lists that are common in all USA universities. It should be noted that to get specific information, students should visit the university’s official website.
Course Duration: The course duration is 1-2 years, depending on the university and other factors, such as the number of credits, internships, industrial training, etc.
Number of Credits: The number of credits or units might also vary depending on the institute. Generally, it ranges from 30 to 60 units or credits.
Following is the academic coursework that consists of core modules, optional or elective modules, and a project or thesis:
Core Module
A core module includes the mandatory subjects that Indian students opt to study in semester 1 (one-year course) and semesters 1 and 2 (two-year course), depending on the university. They have to select 4-5 core subjects. Some common core subjects are:
- Classical Mechanics
- Basic Mathematics
- Electromagnetic Theory
- Statistical Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Modern Optics
- Laser Physics
- Physics of Fluids
- Introduction to Plasma Physics
- Solid State Physics
- General Physics
- Calculus
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Analytical Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
Optional Module
An optional module includes elective subjects students opt for based on their interests. Depending on the university, they can choose 3-4 elective subjects in semesters 1 and 2 (one-year course) and semesters 2 and 3 (two-year course).
- Principles of Applied Mathematics
- Nonlinear Dynamical Systems
- Wave Transmission and Fiber Optics
- Random Signals and Noise
- Microwave Circuit Design
- Ceramics and Composites
- Digital Control Systems
- Advanced Mechanics of Fluids
- Molecular Biophysics
- Advanced Quantum Field Theory
- Fusion Physics
Project/Thesis
Master’s of Science in Physics students are required to conduct research on the allotted topics based on their interests and optional subjects taken. They are also required to find problems and their innovative solutions, which should be elaborately written in a report of about 3000-5000 words. After completing the final report, a seminar will be conducted where they have to present their findings.
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Physics in the USA
The eligibility criteria for pursuing the Master’s of Science in Physics are mentioned below:
- A first-class bachelor’s degree in Physics/Engineering/Natural Science/Computer Science along with Mathematics and Calculus as the core part of the curriculum (B.Sc in Physics/B.Sc in Chemistry/B.Tech, etc.), particularly 3-4 years long, with a minimum grade of A or 70-80% from the government-recognised institute.
- Applicants must have completed their undergraduate course with at least 30 credit units.
- Candidates should have a minimum GRE score of 270-300 (depending on the university, as some institutes don’t require a GRE score).
- Candidates should be proficient in the English language and must hold any of the language proficiency test certificates:
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 100-110 out of 120 is required
- IELTS: A minimum band score of 7.0-8.0 out of 9.0 is required
- PTE: A minimum score of 70-75 out of 90 is required
- Duolingo: A minimum score of 130-135 out of 160 is required
Required Documents for Master’s of Science in Physics
The checklist of documents which are required to submit while applying for the Master’s in Physics in the USA is as follows:
- Completed university application form
- Previous academic documents (degrees, certificates, mark sheets etc.)
- GRE Score (if applicable)
- English Language Proficiency Test scorecard (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo etc.)
- 1 CV or Resume
- WES Evaluation
- 1 Statement of Purpose/2-3 Essays
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities (if any)
- Work Experience Letter (if any)
- University application fee (depending on the institute)
- Passport
How to Apply for a Master’s in Physics in the USA?
Indian students can apply for a Master’s in Physics in the USA by following these steps:
- The application process for the Fall intake 2025 is going to commence in August-September 2024.
- First of all, students must shortlist the 7-8 USA universities by going through the top USA universities section that we have included above, based on their rankings, tuition fees, location, and academic reputation.
- Visit the official websites of all those universities and go through the features of the Master’s of Science in Physics program specifically since different university requirements may differ.
- Start the application process by filling out the details such as academic details, personal details, etc.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee (if required)
- Review and submit the application.
- After the submission, students will receive an interview call from the university within 2 weeks-2 months from the date of application.
Jobs after Master’s in Physics in the USA
A Master’s in Physics in the USA provides abundant career opportunities in academic and research settings. After completing the course, graduates can either pursue the teaching sector or research field based on their interests. Various national and international level laboratories, educational institutes, and research institutes like NASA give preference to Physics graduates.
| Job Posts | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Research Scientist | USD 85,000-100,000 (INR 71 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Data Scientist | USD 91,000-100,000 (INR 76 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Quantitative Analyst | USD 100,000-200,000 (INR 83 Lakh-1 Crore) |
| Systems Engineer | USD 89,000-100,000 (INR 74 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Optical Engineer | USD 85,000-100,000 (INR 71 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Environmental Scientist | USD 93,000-100,000 (INR 77 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Geophysicist | USD 76,000-100,000 (INR 63 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Patent Examiner | USD 72,000-100,000 (INR 60 Lakh-83 Lakh) |
| Accelerator Operator | USD 36,000-53,000 (INR 30 Lakh-44 Lakh) |
| Medical Physicist | USD 200,000-300,000 (INR 1 Crore-2 Crore) |
Conclusion
Physics is the core of the sciences, laying the foundation for understanding the natural world. Its importance spans various aspects of human life, technology, and scientific advancement. It has led to the development of technologies such as computers, smartphones, medical imaging devices, etc., and continues to make our lives better and more comfortable.
Physics has a broad scope of research opportunities in quantum mechanics, cosmology, and information science.
FAQ
What is the average salary of a physicist in the USA?
The average salary of physicists in the USA ranges between USD 36,000-200,000 or INR 30 Lakh-1 Crore per year. This depends on several factors, such as an employer, experience, job post, locality, etc.
Is it required to submit the GRE score for the Master’s in Physics program in the USA?
No, it is not required to submit the GRE score for enrolling into the master’s program in physics since most of the universities have started giving priority to GPA or academic grades over GRE score, believing equal opportunities should be given to all deserving students despite of whether they have appeared for GRE exam or not.
What is the WES evaluation?
The WES evaluation is meant to validate the academic credentials of international students who have obtained their undergraduate degrees in their home country.
What comes under applied physics?
When the principles of physics are applied to technological sciences to create innovative solutions for humanity, it is termed applied physics. It includes nanoscience, advanced materials, condensed matter physics, renewable energy, quantum information and photonics, biological physics, etc.
Is there any application fee to submit while applying for the academic program in the USA?
Yes, most USA universities charge application fees, ranging from USD 50-200 or INR 4,000-16,000 each.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
