Physics (MS)
Prepare for advanced roles in research, technology, education and industry, where strong analytical and problem-solving skills are in high demand.
- Offered Face-to-Face in Commerce.
- 2 years
- 30 credit hours
- Thesis and non-thesis options available
- No foreign language credits required
Deepen Your Knowledge of the Cosmos and Beyond
Explore the mysteries of the universe with a Master of Science in Physics—where you can investigate everything from the structure of matter to the life cycle of stars. Our program gives you access to advanced research tools in areas like organic semiconductors, solid-state physics, X-ray spectroscopy and surface science. Through our membership in the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA), you'll have remote access to world-class telescopes in Arizona, Chile and the Canary Islands, as well as hands-on experience with the largest telescope in northeast Texas at our on-campus observatory.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
With an M.S. in Physics, you can pursue paths in research, data analysis, engineering, education, software development and other fields where analytical thinking and technical expertise are valued.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
You'll have access to our organic semiconductor physics laboratory, surface physics laboratory, campus observatory and research-grade telescopes. You'll also benefit from our access to three 1-m telescopes through our membership in the SARA Telescope Consortium.
What Will I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Specialized Research Skills
Learn how to conduct independent research, critically evaluate scientific literature and communicate findings effectively through writing and presentations.
Advanced Physics Concepts
Deepen your understanding of fundamental and advanced physics topics, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and relativity.
Taking Classes
Our master's in physics offers an immersive, in-person experience that emphasizes hands-on learning, close faculty mentorship and advanced study in core and specialized areas—preparing you to apply your expertise in research, teaching, or technical fields.
Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.
Curriculum
Our department offers three graduate track options to match your research interests and career goals. The thesis track is recommended for those pursuing doctoral programs. Discover which program works best for you.
Thesis
The Master of Science in Physics thesis track prepares you for industrial employment, college teaching or further graduate study. We recommend this program if you are interested in earning your doctorate. This face-to-face degree program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours, including two courses allotted to the thesis.
Physics Teaching Emphasis (Non-Thesis)
The fully online teaching emphasis is designed for physics educators who wish to teach at the community college level or dual enrollment courses. An undergraduate degree in physics is not required, but we suggest undergraduate courses in calculus-based physics, modern physics and mathematics through differential equations.
Applied Physics Emphasis (Non-Thesis)
Learn practical, hands-on physics with this face-to-face program offering. An applied physicist is a generalist who contributes in several different areas within a technology company. The 36-hour, non-thesis emphasis prepares you for careers in the scientific, engineering and programming industries.
Adding Value with Certificates
Gain a graduate certificate where research opportunities and hands-on learning empower you to build a successful career in science and technology.
Organizational Planning Graduate Certificate
Offered through the technology management program at East Texas A&M, the Organizational Planning graduate certificate highlights your completion of a 12 semester-credit-hour program of graduate-level courses focused on strategic planning in organizations within the broader field of technology management.
Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate
This certificate affirms your completion of a 12 semester-credit-hour program of graduate-level courses focused on leadership within the broader field of technology management. This certificate is open to graduate students in any major or exclusive of a major declaration
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support, and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Carlos Bertulani, Ph.D.
Faculty
Heungman Park, Ph.D.
Faculty
Robynne Lock, Ph.D.
FacultyI'm always trying to push forward my teaching and make sure the way…
Student Organizations
Society of Physics Students
Our organization sponsors physics activities and provides opportunities to meet with researchers from other institutions. In addition, you will gain the opportunity to open your social network to like-minded individuals studying the same field.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.5
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Physics, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Describe any previous research or teaching experience, your academic interests, and career goals in 300-600 words.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Deadlines
Fall admission consideration: May 10
Spring admission consideration: October 15
Summer admission consideration: March 15
Applicants must have a completed admissions file by May 10 for fall consideration.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Physics, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
Describe any previous research or teaching experience, your academic interests and career goals in 300-600 words.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Request one signed letter of recommendation, on letterhead, from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Record a video of yourself answering each of the prompts below, upload it to the platform of your choice, and share the link to your video with us via an email to your graduate coordinator.
Your video should not exceed 30 minutes in length.
- Begin with a brief self-introduction.
- What motivates you to pursue a Ph.D. degree in linguistics/applied linguistics?
- Do you think you are the right candidate for our Ph.D. program? Why?
- Have you conducted a research project before? If yes, please describe it briefly.
- What research areas would you explore and what research projects would you conduct if you were amitted to our Ph.D. program? Is there a particular faculty member that you would like to work with?
- What teaching experiences do you have?
- Are you interested in the online or face-to-face option?
- How much time/effort do you envisage the Ph.D. to require every week? Have you taken any online courses before?
- Do you have anything else you want us to know?
Note: Do not send the video file directly (e.g., as an attachment to an email). Be sure to use a platform, such as YouTube, which does not require registration or payment to upload the video and remember to check the accessibility of your link before submitting it to us (e.g., If using YouTube, the visibility setting of your video should either be public or unlisted, but not private). Visual aids (e.g., PPT slides) are encouraged but not required. If using visual aids, we would still like to see your face in the video (i.e., no voiceover presentations).
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $33,601 USD which is less than six months old
See the Office of International Program's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
- 903.886.5488
- 903.886.5480
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011