Academic Programs

Physics B.S.

The plan in Physics leads to the bachelor of science (B.S.) degree at the undergraduate level. Our location and the connections our faculty have with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and allied aerospace industry allow UHCL to offer students unique research opportunities. In addition to our Physics B.S., we also offer sub-plans in Engineering Physics and Computational Physics. The Houston-Galveston area is a thriving center for many science-intensive industries, from aerospace to petrochemical; thus, the demand for professionals with knowledge of physics is high. Local industries in Houston provide a huge potential to employ individuals with a B.S. in Physics, in addition to the increasing demand for physics teachers in high schools. This demand is also expected to grow dramatically over the next decade. An undergraduate degree in Physics would enable the students to progress into graduate programs in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering. Students may select electives in areas of particular interest.

Physics, B.S.

Physics is a very broad discipline, which can lead to a variety of career options. The UHCL Physics program provides students with the opportunity to use electives to prepare them for their specific career goals.  Some of these areas include: Geophysics, Biophysics, Space Science, Mathematical Physics, Materials Science, Physics Education, Premed and Prelaw.  Courses needed to support these focus areas are chosen in consultation with a physics advisor and faculty member from a different program.  They may even be included as part of a minor.

In addition to the University Core Curriculum, Undergraduate Physics majors are required to complete the following courses, see the Physics Section of the UHCL catalog for more information:

Engineering Physics Specialization

In addition to these major requirements, students majoring in physics can choose up to 25 hours of approved electives chosen in consultation with their faculty advisor. Some students may choose to specialize in Engineering Physics. The requirements of this plan are listed below.

Computational Physics Specialization

Students interested in the Computational Physics sub-plan should take the following courses.

4-year Sample Plans

• Physics, B.S.
  • Physics, Engineering Physics Specialization, B.S. Degree Map
  • Physics, Computational Physics Specialization, B.S. Degree Map

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Deadlines for Applying

Physics M.S.

Read Me First!
Things you need to know before you take graduate-level physics courses.

Graduate Physics Student Handbook

The goal of Physics Master of Science program is to prepare students for PhD level work and advanced research in Physics and Astronomy. This program also serves to expand the knowledge base of practicing engineers. Students in this program gain better problem-solving abilities as well as increased knowledge of several aspects of Physics and Astronomy. The physics program provides students with a deeper understanding of the essential science used in many of the engineering disciplines and in the space industry. All students potentially interested in our Collaborative PhD in Physics should apply to both UHCL and UH before beginning graduate level coursework.

Physics, M.S.

Physics Basic Preparation

Applicants for candidacy should have a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in one of the physical sciences, mathematics or engineering disciplines. Applicants with other degrees may also apply if they meet the requirements listed below. Equivalent courses or appropriate substitutions will be determined in consultation with a faculty advisor. If background deficiencies exist, students may be required to take courses that will not apply toward the graduate degree.

Students should take the following courses (or equivalents) in preparation for the program (Note: PHYS 3311 and PHYS 3312 satisfy many of these requirements):

• University Physics I and II with Laboratory
• Modern Physics with Laboratory
• Calculus I, II and III
• Differential Equations
• Complex Variables
• Linear Algebra
• Probability and Statistics
• Intermediate Electromagnetism
• Intermediate Mechanics
• Quantum Theory I and II
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Core Requirements of our M.S. Program

Physics Advanced Electives

Advanced CSE courses that meet the needs of students' professional goals may be selected in consultation with a faculty adviser.

Physics Thesis Option

Under the thesis option, a minimum of 24 hours of formal coursework must be completed. In addition, students must complete PHYS 6837 and a minimum of six hours of PHYS 6939, Master's Thesis Research. A maximum of 12 hours of PHYS 6939 can be applied toward graduation requirements. Remaining coursework for a total of 36 hours may come from additional formal courses.

Physics Non-Thesis Option

Under the non-thesis option, a minimum of 30 hours of formal coursework must be completed. In addition, students must choose a faculty research adviser and complete six hours of independent research and seminar (PHYS 5739 or PHYS 6837, and PHYS 6838).

2-year Sample Plan

• Physics, M.S.

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Admission Requirements

• Physics M.S.
• Admission Deadline
  Standard Graduate Admission Deadline
• Application
  A standard university application is required.
• Requirements
  • 3.0 GPA
  • GRE is not required. Applicants with GPA less than 3.0 are recommended to provide GRE score in support of their application. 
  • Undergraduate degree in Physical Sciences discipline, Mathematics and/or Engineering; Other degrees may apply if the coursework meets the preparation requirements in the catalog
  • Foundation Courses: Calculus I, II, and III, University Physics I and II with labs, Modern Physics with lab, Intermediate Mechanics, Intermediate Electromagnetism, Quantum Theory, Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics.
  • Also, complete either set I or set II of:
    • Set I) Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Complex Variables, Probability & Stats for Scientists & Engineers, or
    • Set II) Mathematical Methods for Physics & Engineering I and II

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Deadlines for Applying 

Overview of the Physics PhD Collaborative Program

This program establishes a collaboration between the Physics Departments at UH and UHCL for the mutual benefit of both universities, their students, and the Clear Lake Community. This joint effort unites the Master's program at UHCL with the PhD program at UH. UH will award the PhD; UHCL supports the effort with its courses and research opportunities. Select faculty at UH and UHCL hold joint appointments. This allows them to ensure their students a smooth transition into the PhD program.

UHCL Physics students pursuing a PhD can do so through the Collaborative UH/UHCL Physics PhD Program. Six UHCL Physics courses and their corresponding recitations PHYS 5311/5331: Electrodynamics, PHYS 5411/5431: Classical Mechanics, PHYS 5511/5531: Mathematical Methods and Recitation for Mathematical Methods in Physics, PHYS 5611/5631 and 5612/5632: Quantum Mechanics I and II, and PHYS 5711/5731: Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics will count towards PhD candidacy at UH. A candidate must earn a grade of B or better in the class and pass the Candidacy Exam at UH. Students exploring this option must apply for PhD candidacy by applying and being accepted into both the UHCL and UH physics programs. Students accepted into the collaborative PhD program will be subject to the same requirements as other PhD candidates in the UH Physics program. They can complete their PhD Thesis under the advisement of a UH and UHCL faculty committee.

Physics Ph.D. Collaborative UHCL/UH Program

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Benefits of the Program

Benefits to Students

• The first local PhD program available to full-time and part-time students
• Advanced training in Physics increases work-related proficiency for students
• Increased knowledge base improves job satisfaction
• Intellectual challenge for students  

Benefits to the Clear Lake Community

• Accessibility of pertinent courses for JSC and petrochemical communities
• More PhDs available to local industry and JSC
• Connection to UH System for advanced research projects of benefit to the community
• Local PhD opportunities helps private and public institutions retain employees

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Application to the Program

A candidate must earn a grade of "B" or better in the class and on the final exam. Students exploring this option must be accepted into the Graduate Physics program at UH for core courses to count toward candidacy.

Core Requirements at UHCL

• PHYS 5331 Electrodynamics
• PHYS 5311 Recitation for Electrodynamics
• PHYS 5431 Classical Mechanics
• PHYS 5411 Recitation for Classical Mechanics
• PHYS 5531 Mathematical Methods
• PHYS 5511 Recitation for Mathematical Methods in Physics
• PHYS 5631 Quantum Mechanics
• PHYS 5611 Quantum Mechanics Recitation
• PHYS 5731 Statistical Mechanics
• PHYS 5711 Recitation for Statistical Mechanics

Advanced Electives

Students will select advanced UHCL and UH courses to meet their professional goals in consultation with their advisor. Many of these electives may be taken at either UH or UHCL but final approval of electives that count towards the PhD is handled by the Graduate Studies Committee. 

UHCL MS Capstone

After completing the core courses and some electives, some students may choose to finish the requirements of the UHCL MS program, while others may choose to move directly into PhD level work without completing the MS. The choice of whether or not to complete the degree depends on several factors. Currently, students who complete the MS at UHCL are no longer considered degree-seeking students and are therefore ineligible for financial aid on the UHCL campus. We are working to resolve this situation. 

PhD Work at UH

Students must complete all PHD level work according to the standard rules of the UH Physics Department. Visit UH's Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy for a full description of these requirements.

Students in the program should be continuously enrolled at either UHCL or UH each long semester until they complete their degree. After taking the core courses, all students should select a research advisor and dissertation committee. The student and advisor must jointly select the dissertation committee. The student must then submit an oral presentation and research plan to the dissertation committee. The student must also send annual progress reports to the dissertation committee. The student must present an acceptable dissertation based on original research in Physics and defend it orally before the dissertation committee. In addition, to complete the PhD, students may be required to take additional courses under the request of their thesis advisor. They may take these courses at UH or UHCL. 

Admissions

Students interested in this program must apply and be accepted into both the UHCL and UH physics programs separately. The application standards of this committee will be the same as those of the UH PhD admissions committee (visit UH's Physics Graduate Programs for details). This process gives students access to both UHCL and UH courses, library, labs, and other resources needed to successfully complete the PhD program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should UH-Clear Lake collaborate with UH that offers a Physics PhD?

High student and community demand. Between 2002 and 2004, the Physics program at UHCL conducted four needs-assessment surveys. These surveys focused primarily on establishing a Masters Degree in Physics at UHCL, but received dozens of unsolicited requests to establish a Physics PhD program. In response to these requests. The department conducted a fifth needs-assessment survey in the fall of 2006. The results of this survey showed an overwhelming demand for the program.

How much time is required for students in the program?

Plan on spending 10-20 hours per week on each three credit-hour graduate class. This program is designed for both full-time (nine credit hours per semester) and part-time (fewer than nine credit hours per semester) students. 

How are the courses different from the current UHCL Physics MS program?

Each core course (and its final exam) can count toward PhD candidacy in the UH Physics program with a passing grade of B or better. Candidates can transfer some UHCL advanced courses to UH for PhD credit. In addition, some UH faculty may offer courses at UHCL.  

I am already a UHCL Physics major; how will this change effect me?

If you choose to complete the MS at UHCL and not continue on with the PhD, nothing will change. If you want to complete the PhD, you must apply and be accepted into the UH physics program and pass the candidacy exams in each subject after completing the core courses and recitations with grades of B or better.

What will be the areas of advanced study?

Students in this program can pursue research related to the scholarly interests of any Physics faculty member at UHCL or https://uh.edu/nsm/physics/research/index.php.  

Are financial aid or assistantship available?

UHCL students may apply for Financial Aid. In addition, a faculty grant funding program offers some teaching and research assistantships.  

Will the program offer distance learning?

We currently offer a section of our Graduate Mathematical Methods course (PHYS 5531/5511) online. All courses are offered in the evenings and we have offered advanced courses taught between UH and UHCL using video conferencing software. Faculty members occasionally teach daytime courses off campus.

How long does it take to complete the program?

This can vary, depending on whether a student completes the program part-time or full-time. Typically, it takes two to three years to complete the MS (at UHCL), and another four to six years to complete the PhD (at UH).

If I am an UHCL master student and interested in the UH/UHCL collaborative Ph.D. program, what do I need to do to enter the program?

You will need to submit a complete UH application and submit all the needed materials, following the same instructions as any other applicants. Please note that UH and UHCL are different Universities. Applying to UHCL is not the same as applying to UH. In order to be in the collaborative program a student must apply and be admitted to UH. For more information please see http://phys.uh.edu/graduate/faq/index.php.

Minor in Astronomy

The Minor in Astronomy is designed to provide students with a background in astronomy that focuses on answering the fundamental question about our origins that humans have pondered over the ages. Building on an introductory survey of astronomy, students will explore topics in planetary science such as asteroid collisions with the Earth or the science of extrasolar planets. The upper level requirements will offer students the choice of focusing on the origin and evolution of stars, our Solar System, our universe and life elsewhere in the universe.

Astronomy Minor

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Minor in Physics

A Minor in Physics will serve students who wish to expand their problem solving ability. These skills can be used in a variety of careers from science to business or law.

Physics Minor