MS Physics at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Advance your understanding of the most fundamental laws of nature, and build a rewarding career in physics, astrophysics and beyond. Physics plays a central role in our understanding of the universe. A master’s in Physics opens the door to scientific discovery and any career you can imagine.

What you will study

Students seeking the Master of Science degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Physics and Astrophysics Department. The program is designed to provide the student with basic physics courses at the graduate level and an introduction to research. Required courses include PHYS 509 Methods of Theoretical Physics; PHYS 539 Quantum Mechanics; PHYS 541 Theory Electricity Magnetism; PHYS 545 Analytical Mechanics; PHYS 510 Methods of Theoretical Physics; PHYS 540 Quantum Mechanics.

Career pathways

Roles include Kaiser Permanente, UND's Energy Environmental Research Center (EERC), ORNL, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Hitachi High Technologies America, Aaniiih Nakoda College.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. A four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.75 for all undergraduate work (2.5 for M. Engr.) or a GPA of at least 3.0 for the junior and senior year of undergraduate work (based on a 4.0 scale). Completed a minimum of 21 semester credits of undergraduate physics, plus mathematics through differential equations or the equivalent. Coursework should include intermediate courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics, and modern quantum physics. Adequate preparation in general chemistry is also necessary. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17 Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder. Three academic or professional references and a statement of goals are required.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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