COURSE CURRICULUM

The Physics MS (Research Option) at RIT is a 30-credit graduate program designed to build a strong foundation in theoretical physics while emphasizing research experience and specialization in advanced subfields.In the first year, students begin with Graduate Physics Seminar I, which introduces research topics, departmental activity, and professional scientific communication. Alongside this, students take Physics Elective 1 and select two core foundational courses from Mathematical Methods for Physics, Classical Electrodynamics I, and Quantum Theory. These courses form the mathematical and conceptual backbone of graduate-level physics, preparing students for advanced study and research.In the spring semester, students continue with Graduate Physics Seminar II and additional physics electives. They then choose from core advanced subjects such as Classical Mechanics and Statistical Physics, which deepen understanding of physical systems across classical and statistical domains. The first year also introduces research engagement through Graduate Research and Thesis, allowing students to begin working under faculty supervision on a focused research topic.The second year is heavily research-centered. In the fall, students take Graduate Research and Thesis while optionally continuing advanced coursework from core physics areas like quantum theory, electrodynamics, or mathematical methods. This phase focuses on independent research development, data analysis, and progress toward a thesis.In the final spring semester, students complete additional Graduate Research and Thesis credits, culminating in a total research output that forms the basis of the master’s thesis. This final work demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct original research and apply advanced physics concepts to solve complex scientific problems.Overall, the program is structured to balance rigorous graduate coursework with early and sustained research involvement, preparing students for PhD studies, research positions in laboratories, or technical roles in industry.