PHYS-MS - Physics (MS)

The department does not offer a coterminal degree program, or a separate program for the M.S. degree, but this degree may be awarded for a portion of the Ph.D. degree work. 

University requirements for the master's degree, discussed in the Graduate Degrees section of this bulletin, include completion of 45 units of unduplicated course work after the bachelor's degree. Course taken to fulfill the degree requirements below must be taken for a letter grade.  Among the department requirements are a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (B)

Per Stanford Graduate Academic Policy, all courses for the Physics MS must be completed at Stanford.

The Department of Physics is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development. When most effective, this advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement by both the adviser and the advisee. As a best practice, advising expectations should be periodically discussed and reviewed to ensure mutual understanding. Both the adviser and the advisee are expected to maintain professionalism and integrity.

Faculty advisers guide students in key areas such as selecting courses, designing and conducting research, developing of teaching pedagogy, navigating policies and degree requirements, and exploring academic opportunities and professional pathways.

Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.

The purpose of the master's program is to further develop knowledge and skills in physics and to prepare students for a professional career or doctoral studies. This is achieved through completion of courses, in the primary field as well as related areas, and experience with independent work and specialization.