The program is designed to give a fundamental theoretical background beyond that of undergraduate level and some research experience, if desired.
The M.S. degree can be obtained with or without a thesis. The thesis will be assessed by three faculty, including the research advisor. Given that the path to a M.S. degree with a thesis involves original research with a faculty advisor, it is important students wishing to complete a M.S. degree in two years understand the accelerated pace at which they will have to work. To complete an M. S. thesis in two years, the student should identify a thesis by the end of the Fall Semester of their first year and begin research in the following Spring Semester of their first year.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers Masters of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Both degree programs provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals as well as a diverse range of specializations for research. In addition to working with Physics faculty in these research areas, graduate students have worked with faculty in a range of other departments at WVU.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
West Virginia University
Morgantown Campus,
MORGANTOWN,
West Virginia,
26506, United States
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
August 2025
Morgantown
Morgantown,
Morgantown,
West Virginia,
26506, South, United States
To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelors degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75.
WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are:
Academic IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 79
TOEFL Essentials: 9.0
PTE Academic: 53
Duolingo English Test: 105
Application Deadline
Fall: January 15
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
WVU graduates enjoy a remarkably high employment rate of 93 percent within two years of completing their program.