Co-op/
Internship Encouraged
Salary and Career Info
Physics MS
A physics MS that solidifies your understanding in core areas of physics with the flexibility to pursue your area of interest.
Program skills
The program focuses on providing advanced knowledge in core areas of physics. This includes electrodynamics, quantum and classical mechanics, and statistical physics, as well as one or more sub-areas of physics that correspond to each students' individual interests and career aspirations. Students work with the program director to develop a tailored individual academic plan that includes course work that supports these goals. Sub-areas may include modern and quantum optics; lasers; computational physics; solid-state, materials, and device physics; soft matter and biological physics; radiation scattering spectroscopy; relativity and gravitation; and nanoscale physics. The program also includes professional skills in organization and leadership, managing research teams, promoting innovation or sustainable technologies, entrepreneurship and intellectual property, finance and accounting, data science, scientific visualization, electronics, STEM pedagogy, and education research, public policy, and communication skills.
Program facilities equipment
Students are exposed to numerous laboratories throughout their studies: X-Ray and Surface Science Laboratory, Atomic-Scale Microscopy Laboratory, Laser Light Scattering Laboratory for complex and biological fluid studies, Optics Laboratory, Materials Laboratory, Quantum Optics Teaching Laboratory, Physical Optics Teaching Laboratory, Modern Physics/Advanced Physics Teaching Laboratory, Electronics Teaching Laboratory, Instrument/Detector Development Laboratory for Experimental Cosmology, Observatory, Granular Materials Laboratory, Supercomputer Clusters, and the Nanopower Research Laboratories (NPRL).
Program job titles
Optical/Photonics Scientist; Instrumentation and Device Engineer; Quantum Research and Development Scientist; Radiation and Detector Physicist; Computational Physicist
100%
Outcome Rates for Physics MS
Total percentage of graduates who have entered the workforce, enrolled in full-time graduate study, or are pursuing alternative plans (military service, volunteering, etc.).
100%
Knowledge Rate
Total percentage of graduates for whom RIT has verifiable data, compared to national average knowledge rate of 41% per NACE.
| Outcome | % of Students |
|---|---|
| Employed | 80.00% |
| Full-time Graduate Study | 20.00% |
| Alternative Plans | 0% |
Experiential Learning
Cooperative Education
What makes an RIT science and math education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete science and math co-ops and gain real-world experience that sets you apart. Co-ops in the College of Science include cooperative education and internship experiences in industry and health care settings, as well as research in an academic, industry, or national lab. These are not only possible at RIT, but are passionately encouraged.
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
National Labs Career Events and Recruiting
The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities. These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions, 1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.