物理学研究为基础科学奠定了基础，并开发了几乎在每个专业中都高度重视的技能。物理学硕士课程为学生准备攻读物理学或与天文学，生物物理学，医学物理学，材料科学和工程等紧密相关领域的博士学位提供了条件。对于不打算攻读物理学博士学位的学生，该程序通过应用物理学，数学和定量推理提供了解决问题的强大背景，这些知识在包括商业，金融，法律，医学以及应用物理学。对于所有学生，该计划还提供了获得研究经验的机会。
The study of physics provides a foundation in fundamental science and develops skill sets that are highly valued in virtually every profession. The M.A. in physics program prepares students for admission to doctoral programs in physics or closely related fields such as astronomy, biophysics, medical physics, materials science, and engineering. For students who do not intend to pursue a doctorate in physics, the program provides a strong background in problem-solving through the application of physics, mathematics, and quantitative reasoning that can be extremely useful in a variety of professions, including business, finance, law, and medicine, as well as applied physics. For all students, the program also affords an opportunity to gain research experience.