Physics: Engineering Physics, M.S. - CEPS, UNH

Graduate

Physics: Engineering Physics

Integrate fundamental physics and applied engineering with hands-on research in space science and emerging technologies.
Degree
Master of Science
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
Varies
Credit
30 hrs.*
Full-time
1-2 yrs.
Part-time
Varies
UNH student utilizing electronic equipment

Physics & Astronomy

The Engineering Physics M.S. at UNH bridges the gap between fundamental physics and applied engineering, equipping students to tackle complex technological challenges. Through hands-on research in areas such as space science instrumentation, quantum and materials science, and computational modeling, students transform theoretical concepts into practical innovations. 

Supported by expert faculty and UNH’s R1 research environment, graduates leave ready to lead in high-tech industries and government laboratories, or excel in doctoral programs.

Physics & Astronomy Department

Click below to get more information about UNH graduate programs

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Contact Cards

Professor
Morse Hall, Room 312, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-2313

Why get a master’s degree in engineering physics?

The Engineering Physics M.S. program option provides a strong foundation in physics while allowing students to specialize in a chosen engineering field. Through a tailored mix of graduate coursework in physics, mathematics, and engineering, students develop advanced analytical and technical problem-solving skills. The program culminates in a capstone experience, either a master’s thesis or project, preparing graduates for careers in research, high-tech industries, or doctoral study.

Why choose UNH for your engineering physics degree?

UNH offers interdisciplinary research opportunities that connect physics principles with engineering innovation. Students work in advanced laboratories alongside faculty on projects in areas such as space science instrumentation, particle and nuclear detectors, materials and quantum science, computational modeling, and machine learning. As an R1 research university, UNH provides access to significant externally funded research and hands-on technical experiences.

Potential Career Areas

  • Aerospace and defense
  • Applied physics research
  • Engineering design and analysis
  • Government laboratories
  • High-tech manufacturing
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Research and development

Curriculum & Requirements

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Program Description
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The goal of the Engineering Physics M.S. program option is to produce broadly trained engineers with a deep understanding of the foundations of their chosen engineering specialty. Students in the program select a mix of graduate courses in physics and engineering that is tailored to support their individual interests and career goals. The M.S. program also includes a capstone experience, which can be either a Master’s Thesis or a Master’s Project.

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Requirements for the Program
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To obtain the degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits as outlined below.

Required Courses
PHYS 805Experimental Physics 14
PHYS 806Introduction to Physics Research and Teaching 22
900-Level Courses
Select four (4) courses from the below list:12
Students must select a minimum of one course offered by the Physics department and one course outside the Physics department. The following courses will count toward this requirement. Other courses can be selected with approval of the Engineering Physics program committee.
PHYS 935
Statistical Physics
PHYS 939
Classical Mechanics
PHYS 941
Electromagnetic Theory I
PHYS 942
Electromagnetic Theory II
PHYS 943
Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 944
Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 951
Plasma Physics
PHYS 953
Magnetohydrodyamics of the Heliosphere
PHYS 954
Heliospheric Physics
PHYS 961
Advanced Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 965
Advanced Solid-State Physics
PHYS 987
Magnetospheres
PHYS 988
High Energy Astrophysics
CS 950
Advanced Machine Learning
ECE 915
Advanced Active Circuits
ECE 920
Wireless Communication Systems
ECE 925
Biosensors: Fundamentals and Applications
ECE 941
Digital Signal Processing
ECE 952
Advanced Control Systems II
ECE 960
Computer Architecture
IAM 932
Graduate Partial Differential Equations
IAM 933
Applied Functional Analysis
IAM 961
Numerical Analysis I: Numerical Linear Algebra
IAM 962
Numerical Partial Differential Equations
ME 922
Continuum Mechanics
ME 909
Viscous Flow
ME 910
Turbulence
ME 927
Theory of Plasticity
ME 951
Advanced Control Systems I
ME 986
Advanced Finite Element Analysis
Capstone
Select one of the following options:12
Option A: Thesis - 12 additional credits including a 6 credit Master's Thesis PHYS 899 with oral defense
Option B: Project - 12 additional credits including a Master's Project PHYS 895 (up to 4 credits) with a seminar presentation
Total Credits30
1

Or equivalent demonstrated experimental proficiency.

2

Two semesters, or equivalent professional development courses or seminars.

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Accelerated Master's
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Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

  • Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
  • Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
  • Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
  • Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

  • A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
  • A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
  • Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

  • Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
  • Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
  • Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
  • See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Physics: Engineering Physics (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):

Engineering Physics (B.S.)
Physics (B.S.)
Students select any 800-level courses in physics, math, other science disciplines, and engineering that can be completed in the undergraduate senior year for dual credit.
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Student Learning Outcomes
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Program Learning Outcomes
  • Students will master the fundamental concepts in their chosen field of study and have a specialized knowledge of their chosen field of research at the level of a Masters degree.
  • Students will have an advanced understanding of the mathematical methods, both analytical and computational, required to solve complex physics and engineering problems at the graduate level.
  • Students will demonstrate mastery of experimental physics by designing and executing controlled investigations that apply engineering science principles to solve real-world technical challenges.
  • Students will be well prepared for further graduate study in physics, engineering, and related disciplines.
  • Students will be well prepared for advanced careers in a multitude of fields ranging from scientific and technical to financial.
  • Students will be able to present advanced scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.
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Application Requirements & Deadlines
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Apply now

Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

  • Fall: Jan. 15 (for funding); after that on rolling basis until April 15
  • Spring: N/A
  • Summer: N/A
  • Special: Spring admission by approval only

Application fee: $65

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

  • Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
  • Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

GRE Optional

The GRE scores are optional, if you wish to provide scores please email the scores directly to the department once you have submitted your application online.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

  1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
  2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.