The Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy prepares students to contribute to new concepts and technologies through innovative teaching methods that combine student-faculty interactions, computer-based education, and hands-on experience in modern laboratories. Completion of the M.S. requires 30 credits of graduate work, including a minimum of 21 credits in course work. demonstrate mastery of core graduate-level Physics through completion of a selection of graduate courses including Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Statistical Physics. demonstrate mastery of a modern sub-topic in physics, such as astrophysics, particle physics, condensed matter, or computational physics through coursework and completion of a project or thesis. clearly communicate their ideas and results to general and specialized audiences, both orally and in writing.