MS Physics and Astronomy at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The department offers graduate work leading to MS and PhD degrees, with active research in biophysics, medical physics, condensed-matter, nuclear, neutrino, quantum field and theoretical particle physics, general relativity, and astronomy and astrophysics. The department does not offer a terminal MS; students are encouraged to earn a non-thesis MS during thesis work.

Faculty: The Graduate School | Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

All coursework must be completed by the semester the MS is defended. Core courses include PHYS 701, 712, 721 and 741 and ASTR 711, 712 and 719, with the teaching seminar PHYS 510 and introductory graduate seminar PHYS 885.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme.

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 applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration. The GRE is not required for the Master of Applied Professional Studies.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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