Overview

Students have opportunities for research in Biophysics, Computational Physics, Medical Physics, and Optics. The major research emphasis in the department is in the area of applied optics. The Department of Physics and Optical Science is the administrative coordinator of M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Optical Science and Engineering. These degree programs are interdisciplinary involving five science and engineering departments (Physics & Optical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Science), the Center for Optoelectronics & Optical Communications, and the Center for Precision Metrology.

A second area of emphasis is in biophysics, where there is a strong interdisciplinary relationship with the Ph.D. programs in Nanoscale Science, Biology, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and Applied Mathematics.

The Applied Physics program of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte emphasizes basic and applied interdisciplinary education and research in many diverse areas that include:

Statistical and computational physics

Biological molecular motors

Protein folding, stability, and dynamics

Structural-based drug discovery

Nuclear molecular resonance spectroscopy

Observational astronomy

Micro-optics and nanophotonics

Fiber and integrated optics

Optoelectronic materials and devices

Biomedical optics

Optical interferometry and metrology

Optical fabrication

Nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy

Adaptive optics

Optical communication

Novel light-matter interactions

Quantum optics

Optical sensors and measurements

Concentrations

There are two concentrations within the M.S. in Applied Physics program that include both thesis and non-thesis degree options:

Applied Physics Concentration (Thesis or non-thesis option)

Applied Optics Concentration (Thesis option only)

Programme Structure

Courses include:

At the time of admission, up to 6 credit hours of graduate transfer credit may be accepted if approved by the Department of Physics and Optical Science and the Graduate School.

Students may, with departmental approval, apply up to 9 credit hours in non-cross-listed courses from graduate programs in related areas such as Bioinformatics, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Nanoscale Science toward the 30 credit hour degree requirement.

All candidates for the degree must pass a final examination administered by their Advisory Committee.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-08-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Charlotte, United States

Disciplines

Physics View 398 other Masters in Physics in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Possess a Bachelor's degree in Physics, or a closely allied field, usually from an accredited college or university. Applicants from fields other than Physics may expect to be required to remove deficiencies in their physics background.

Present satisfactory scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination.

Possess an overall grade point average of at least 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale) on all of the applicant's previous work beyond high school. The average in the major should be 3.0 or better.

Present satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, if the applicant is from a non- English speaking country.

Demonstrate evidence of sufficient interest, ability, and preparation in physics to adequately profit from graduate study, as determined by the Physics & Optical Science Department's Graduate Committee.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20627 USD / year

≈ 20627 USD / year
Out-of-State

20627 USD / year

≈ 20627 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4841 USD / year

≈ 4841 USD / year

Living costs

Charlotte

United States

1133 - 2060 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Applied Physics.

Available Scholarships

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Applied Physics

About

On this page

About

Overview

Concentrations

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Charlotte

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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