Set yourself apart with an advanced degree in physics. You'll conduct active research, work one-on-one with faculty, and study the world at its most fundamental levels.
An advanced degree in physics builds upon and enhances your knowledge of the field in various ways. At USD, you'll explore individualized research interests, develop your mathematical problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and learn how to analyze data and clearly communicate complex ideas.
Whether you choose a thesis or non-thesis track, you'll become prepared for a future in academia, industry and at national labs. All graduate students can fully engage in a wide range of research, through large collaborations such as COHERENT, DUNE, LEGEND, MINER, PIRE-GEMADARC and SuperCDMS from data analysis and analytics to detector development to simulation. As part of that process, you'll work hands-on in research areas germane to the needs of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), such as nuclear/particle physics, double beta-decay, dark matter searches and gravitational wave detection experiments, and more. The interdisciplinary curriculum and small class sizes help establish relationships with your peers and professors that empower you to be successful.
The master of science in physics is a 32-credit-hour program which prepares you for a variety of career paths, including further study leading to the Ph.D. program. Students should expect the completion of an M.S. degree to take two academic years of full-time study. Choose from a thesis or non-thesis track which is an option for students who do not require Ph.D. preparation to be successful in their careers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data analyst jobs will see a 20% growth from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than average. USD's specialization in large data and analytics prepares students for a wider range of job opportunities by taking 15 credit hours of elective courses across three different departments which may include data mining, machine learning, database management, applied statistics and analytics programming.
If you are a current USD undergraduate student who would like to begin a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree, you may apply and begin the program after completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.
If you love physics and gain great enjoyment from researching the unknown, then a Ph.D. is for you. It will open doors and give you the credentials to conduct independent active research or pursue a career as a professor at a university. Physics grads are invaluable in industries dealing with nuclear energy, electronics, communications, aerospace, medical instrumentation and more.
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As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
An Affordable Education
Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.
Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.
You'll find the mentorship and opportunities you need to study topics that spark your curiosity. Some of our recent master's graduates in the physics program have crafted their degree plans around the following research areas:
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences and collaboration with researchers at other universities and national laboratories. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the Department of Physics. You may be interested in engaging internally through Physics Club, departmental events, and colloquium to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
The Physics Club is USD's chapter of the Society for Physics Students and sponsors guest speakers, social events, a physics fair and astronomy skywatching. The club meets monthly and is open to all students with an interest in physics or astronomy. The club assists with the Science Olympiad each spring, and usually sponsors a physics fair in conjunction with the event.
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
Physics at USD is a community of faculty and students dedicated to excellent teaching and to performing research at the forefront of the field, including the search for dark matter.
Successful students closely engage world-recognized experts from other institutions who often participate as members of student thesis committees. We are actively involved in several major International experiments as well as leading several local R&D important experiments. We practice experimental nuclear physics, background measurements, simulations, material science and more.
Increase affordability and minimize student loan debt and apply early for a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistantships are available ($18,000-$30,000) on a competitive basis. All Ph.D. students are required to serve as teaching assistants for a minimum of two semesters, although teaching opportunities may be available to M.S. students as well.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
Since I did my undergraduate degree at USD, I was able to take advantage of the accelerated master’s program in physics. I had excellent opportunities to collaborate and lead research projects with professors over the summer.
Nathan Saunders
