MS Physics at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The MS in Physics offers Plan A (thesis), Plan B (non-thesis) and Plan C (for prior graduate school experience). Plan A graduates enter community college teaching or junior scientist and engineer roles; Plan B and C suit students planning doctoral work.

Faculty: College of Natural Sciences | Department: Physics and Astronomy | Duration: 30 credit hours (Plans A and B) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

Plans A and B require 30 credit hours including at least 18 credits of physics courses at 600-798 level (PHYS 610, 650, 670, 690); Plan A adds 6 thesis credits (PHYS 700) and an oral exam, while Plan B requires demonstrated competency in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics by the sixth semester. Plan C has no credit requirement but a residency requirement and a comprehensive oral exam.

Career pathways

Teaching positions at the community college level or industrial and civil service positions at the junior scientist and engineer level.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Plan C admission requires approval of the physics graduate program advisory committee. Graduate Division English proficiency (applicants whose native language is not English; programme minimums may be higher): TOEFL iBT 61 (pre-2026 scale) or 3.5 (2026 scale), IELTS Academic 5.5, Duolingo 90.

Domestic applicants: USD 10,400 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Hawaii resident rate. Source

International applicants: USD 22,432 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Non-resident rate. Source

Graduate applications are accepted for Summer, Fall and Spring terms; Graduate Division begins processing applications from August 1 for the following Fall and Summer semester and from April 1 for the following Spring semester.

All graduate application deadlines are set by the graduate programmes and vary by programme; some programmes set priority deadlines. Most Fall applicants hear a decision by late March/early April and Spring applicants by November/December. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

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