All University of South Carolina system institutions will be closed through the end of the spring semester. Columbia campus virtual instruction will continue through the conclusion of final exams in May. Details can be found on the coronavirus landing page.

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Graduate

A graduate degree in physics opens doors. Our students have gone on to pursue a career in academia, as researchers, and even as software engineers.

Masters Degree

We award masters degrees to students who have demonstrated their ability to master material of the major fundamental branches of physics and their applications. In addition to completing the necessary coursework, you'll also complete a masters thesis and participate in research.

Ph.D. Degree

We award Ph.D. degrees awarded to students who have satisfied the faculty that their knowledge of physics and their research ability have prepared them for a scholarly career in physics with the potential for continued professional growth and achievement. The primary means of demonstrating this is a dissertation based on original research carried out by the student. M.S. degree students who have finished their M.S. degree at USC and want to continue with the USC Ph.D. program should apply to the Admissions Committee.

Graduate Assistantship Information

Application Checklist [pdf]

Graduate Student Handbook [pdf]

Graduate Bulletin

For detailed program information including curriculum and requirements, please view the academic bulletin, the university's official document of record concerning graduate-level academic programs and regulations.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.