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  • Degrees Available:
    • M.S.
  • Locations:
    • Macomb
  • Required GPA:
    • Cumulative: 2.75
    • Last 2 years: 3.0
  • Admission Requirements:
    • Transcripts
  • Interesting Facts: Fall 2009
    • Currently enrolled: 13
    • International: 9
    • Minority: 0
    • Male: 8
    • Female: 5
    • Students with Assistantships: 7

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Graduate Programs of Study

Academic College: Arts and Sciences

Program: Physics

Program Overview

The Department of Physics at Western Illinois University offers a program of graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in Physics. Our approach is designed to be flexible enough to allow students—even with different undergraduate backgrounds—the opportunity to prepare themselves for careers or further study in the field of physics. The program provides the advantage of a caring, small department atmosphere with very committed professors, together with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects that will prepare the graduate student for challenging PhD programs in top research universities or competitive jobs after graduation.

The Integrated Baccalaureate and Master’s degree program (IBMP) in Physics provides an opportunity for academically strong undergraduate Physics majors with a commitment to pursuing a career in physics or applied physics research to complete both the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Physics in five years.


Physics

Why Physics at WIU?

We have substantially revised all our degree programs in recent years, with the goal of providing each student the best possible preparation and an outstanding educational experience tailored to their individual needs. Our graduate program continues to grow and thrive, recently being ranked #13 in the nation by the American Institute of Physics for the number of M.S. degrees awarded. Additionally, the Physics Department at WIU strives to provide every graduate student the opportunity to fully realize his or her potential in a learning environment dedicated to excellence and to giving each individual student the one-on-one attention they need. We rely on a long history of teaching excellence and an enduring commitment to involve all of our students in the excitement and challenges of physics research. In our department, you will be individually known by our faculty, and you will share in the unique opportunity of shaping the future of our department and of physics.

Our Faculty

Our dedicated faculty members have cutting-edge research programs in the areas of experimental, computational, and theoretical atomic-molecular-optical (AMO) physics, in experimental condensed matter physics, and in experimental radio astronomy. They all hold Ph.D. degrees from prestigious institutions located around the world, including Texas A&M University, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Illinois, the Indian Institute of Science, and Peking University (China). Furthermore, new and exciting research opportunities have been opened for all of our students by the professional activity of our faculty and students.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Few jobs can be found today where experience is not required, and this is especially true in the type of high-tech careers our graduates seek. That is why graduate student research is such a vital component of the educational experience in the WIU Physics Department. Opportunities exist for students at all levels to begin working with faculty on research projects that are of interest to the student and of importance to the scientific community at large. Whether you are interested in experimental, theoretical, or computational physics or issues in physics education, a faculty sponsor is available who will mentor you in your studies.

Other Information

Our graduate students take an active role in the mentoring of our undergraduate students, in the staging of physics outreach demonstration shows for the general public, in assisting with visiting high school physics classes, and in holding departmental faculty/staff/student social events.