MS Physics at University of Illinois Chicago

Programme overview

The Department of Physics offers work leading to degrees in Physics at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Experimental and theoretical work leading to a graduate degree is available in the following general areas: atomic, molecular, and laser physics; biophysics; condensed matter and materials physics; high-energy particle physics; and high-energy nuclear physics.

Faculty: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chicago, IL, United States

What you will study

Minimum 32 semester hours required. Thesis or coursework only. Required courses include Electrodynamics; Quantum Mechanics I; Statistical Mechanics I; can be applied to the degree..

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Prior degree: No restrictions. Prior academic work must include at least 20 semester hours of physics, including upper-level undergraduate electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and classical mechanics. GPA: At least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study. Tests: GRE General exam and GRE Physics subject exam are both highly recommended, but not required. Letters of recommendation: Three required. Personal statement: Required.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate and professional programmes admit for Fall, Spring and Summer terms depending on the programme; applications for Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and Summer 2028 are expected to open on August 1, 2026.

Graduate and professional application deadlines are set per programme, with separate deadlines for domestic and international applicants for most non-online programmes; optional earlier priority, recommended or fellowship dates apply to both. Applications are made through the UIC graduate application or a centralized application service for some professional programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.uic.edu/admissions/

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