物理学和天文学的研究生学习是高度个性化的。每位入学的研究生都会被分配一名教职顾问，以协助制定学习计划并指导学生的学习进度。物理学理学硕士课程要求至少30 sh的研究生学分。所有学生必须在4000或更高级别的课程中获得30 sh的研究生学分，在5000或更高级别的课程中必须至少获得15 sh。他们必须保持至少3.00的gpa。该学位随论文或批判论文一起提供。选择论文选项的学生必须根据他们进行的原始实验或理论研究撰写论文。学生在PHYS：7990研究：物理或PHYS：7992个人关键研究中最多可获得6希。
The Master of Science program in physics requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit. All students must earn the required 30 s.h. of graduate credit in courses numbered 4000 or above, with at least 15 s.h. in courses numbered 5000 or above. At least 24 s.h. must be completed under the auspices of the University of Iowa after admission to the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Students must maintain a program g.p.a. of at least 2.75 (3.0 for Ph.D. program).<br><br>Each student's plan of study should provide for as much advanced work as aptitude and previous preparation permit. Up to one-third of the program of study may be taken in related scientific fields other than physics (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, engineering).<br><br>The degree is offered with thesis or critical essay. Students who choose the thesis option must write a thesis based on an original experimental or theoretical investigation that they have conducted. Students may earn a maximum of 6 s.h. in PHYS:7990 Research: Physics or PHYS:7992 Individual Critical Study. Graduate study in physics and astronomy is highly individualized. Each entering graduate student is assigned a faculty advisor, who assists in preparing a plan of study and in guiding the student's progress.