Physics

Work on projects at the largest land-based rocket research range in the world. Observe and research the aurora, or engage in other cutting-edge research through our world-renowned Geophysical Institute. Use the world’s most powerful high-frequency transmitter for the study of the ionosphere (HAARP). These are just a few of the opportunities you’ll have when you earn your master’s in physics at UAF.

Our physics master’s degree program offers concentrations in space physics and computational physics. Research specialties within the department include nonlinear dynamics, complex systems and ice physics. We also collaborate with the Institute of Arctic Biology on biophysics research.

In addition to the physics master’s degree, we also offer doctoral programs in physics and space physics.

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Degree type:

Master of Science (M.S.)
Average of three years to complete

Availability:

Available at UAF’s main campus in Fairbanks, Alaska

Why Study Physics at UAF?

At UAF, you have the resources of one of the top research universities in the nation at your fingertips. From theoretical research in space physics, to experimental projects involving low-light-level imaging and spectroscopic observations of the aurora and airglow, we offer opportunities to work on the cutting-edge of science — in the context of a small, collaborative program.

Access resources you won’t find anywhere else in the world

UAF is home to the Geophysical Institute and the International Arctic Research Center, through which we conduct much of our research in the space and atmospheric sciences. We are also the only university in the world with its own rocket range — the Poker Flat Research Range, which we use to conduct plasma injection experiments in space.

Work closely with award-winning faculty

Our faculty are world experts in the study of the aurora and the interaction of solar wind with planetary atmospheres. Several are actively involved with NASA satellite missions and rocket-based experiments. Our research work also often involves collaborating with scientists from other universities and national and international agencies.

Learn in the natural classroom of Alaska

UAF offers prime access to facilities for studying and personally witnessing the aurora. Located in the auroral zone where the Earth's magnetic field lines provide a view into the outer reaches of the planet’s magnetosphere, Fairbanks is unique among American cities. It’s also centrally located in Alaska with unparalleled access to wilderness and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Participate in teaching assistantships to pay your tuition

Teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis and include full tuition and a stipend for living expenses. This is a great opportunity to complete your physics master’s degree while saving money on school.

Expand your professional network

Physics master’s degree students enjoy networking opportunities through active graduate student clubs such as the Geophysical Institute Graduate Student Association (GIGSA).

Nothing in my life outside the graduate program at UAF had ever come close to providing that same experience of mental stretching and rapid, focused thinking, and I'm grateful for it. If I'd realized how personally rewarding it would be, I'd have entered graduate school many years earlier. Before UAF, I don't feel as though I ever even really knew what learning was.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Physics?

A physics master’s degree can lead to interesting and lucrative careers in industry, government, and academia. For many students, a master’s is also a step toward earning a PhD in physics.

More than half of UAF physics master’s degree graduates find jobs within one month of graduation — many in areas such as scientific programming, research and development, military service and more.

Physics Master’s Degree Requirements

Our course offerings include the traditional graduate-level physics courses supplemented by courses in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, radiative transfer, numerical simulation, signal processing, as well as topical courses on aeronomy, and magnetospheric physics.

The program is rigorous and demanding, but we work in an informal atmosphere and in a spirit of camaraderie. In addition to the standard physics curriculum, we offer graduate courses in Plasma Physics, Space Physics, Magnetospheric Physics, and Nonlinear Dynamics.

View all required classes for the online master’s degree in Physics

Graduate Programs Related to Physics

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