Master of Physics at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

United States of America, Rochester

University Rank:#951

The Physics at Rochester Institute of Technology is a Full Time Master program offered at the university's main campus in Rochester , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on September 2, 2027.

About Master of Physics

Advance your knowledge in core areas of physics, including electrodynamics, quantum, classical mechanics, and statistical physics.
Gain research and technical skills while tailoring the program to your personal career interests.
Develop professional skills in leadership, managing research teams, promoting innovation or sustainable technologies, entrepreneurship and intellectual property, and more.

RIT's Physics MS: Explore Advanced Physics Your Way

A physics master's prepares you for a variety of professional opportunities. Whether your interests are in quantum mechanics or studying the entire universe with general relativity, you can gain the research and technical skills needed to achieve your career goals.

Students in RIT's physics MS program are trained in the core areas of physics and can choose sub-areas of physics that align with their interests and career aspirations. Sub-areas may include: atomic, molecular, and optical physics; computational physics; lasers; modern and quantum optics; nanoscale physics; physics education research; radiation, scattering, and spectroscopy; relativity and gravitation; solid-state, materials, and device physics; and soft matter and biological physics.

At RIT you don't just study these areas, you work directly with faculty conducting research. The School of Physics and Astronomy conducts millions of dollars in research annually in experimental, theoretical, applied, and computational physics. Gain hands-on experience and put your knowledge into practice with access to our labs and equipment and as part of our strategic research centers.

You will also develop 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. The RIT physics master's program offers robust, advanced training in a flexible format that allows you to meet your personal career goals.

Research Centers

Students and faculty researchers collaborate in our strategic research centers:

Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation
Center for Detectors
Future Photon Initiative
Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics

Labs and Equipment

Students in the physics MS have access to an extensive range of equipment and labs:

Atomic-Scale Microscopy Laboratory
Granular Materials Laboratory
Iontronics and Nanoelectronics Laboratory
Laboratory for Complex and Biological
Fluid Studies
Laboratory for Experimental Cosmology
Laser Light Scattering Equipment
Materials Laboratory
Nanopower Research Laboratories
Quantum Optics/Imaging Laboratory
RIT Observatory
Supercomputer Clusters
X-Ray and Surface Science Laboratory

Careers in Physics

Nationally, graduates of the program are in demand across all economic sectors, spanning a wide variety of exciting opportunities within the private sector (especially in engineering and computer/information technology), in government labs and agencies, and in education at both the university and secondary levels.

Students are also interested in: Imaging Science MS, Astrophysical Sciences and Technology MS

A physics MS that solidifies your understanding in core areas of physics with the flexibility to pursue your area of interest.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Physics at Rochester Institute of Technology

Entry Requirements

Transcript(s)

RIT requires transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended, including transcript grading keys.
International students should provide transcripts (or mark sheets) and degree certificates from all post-secondary institutions.

To submit your transcript(s) for application review:

Upload copies or official transcript(s) with the submission of your online application, or
Upload your transcript(s) through your admissions portal after you have submitted your application

Upon enrollment at RIT, you will need to contact your prior college or university and request that your official, final records be sent directly to RIT. Documents you upload are not considered official.

Degree Requirements

All applicants to RIT’s graduate programs must hold—or currently be completing—a four-year baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, granted by an accredited college or university.

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate coursework, your admission will be contingent upon submission of your final transcript showing the degree granted and the date of the degree.

3-Year Degrees from International Universities
RIT will review applicants with 3-year degrees from international universities. Students with 3-year degrees from India must meet all of the following conditions:

The college or university is WHED recognized, and
The college or university is NAAC accredited with an "A" grade, and
You have passed in the 1st Class (or equivalent).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may request a WES evaluation or you would need to complete (or be in the process of) postgraduate study.

If your 3-year undergraduate degree is currently in progress, you may be admitted contingent upon obtaining your degree in the 1st class or equivalent.

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana
RIT considers Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana to be comparable to US bachelor’s degrees under the following conditions: the HND is a 2-year program that followed a 2-year National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program, for a total of at least 4 years of post-secondary study.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your online application. Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should include details about your education, employment, and internship history. Pertinent research experience should be included as well.

English Requirements

PTEMin 60
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 88

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Physics

Typical Job Titles

Optical/Photonics Scientist	Instrumentation and Device Engineer
Quantum Research and Development Scientist	Radiation and Detector Physicist
Computational Physicist

Salary and Career Information for Physics MS

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.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Physics at Rochester Institute of Technology

Application Fee 65

How to Apply for Master of Physics at Rochester Institute of Technology

Find your degree of choice and review the admission requirements.
Create an RIT admissions account to begin your application. All you need is your email, first and last name, and birthdate to get started.

Master of Physics at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

United States of America, Rochester