PhysicsMS

Located near the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), the nation’s premier site for underground nuclear and particle physics, this master's program offers unique research opportunities in cutting-edge physics. Students work alongside internationally recognized faculty on groundbreaking studies, including dark matter exploration, neutrino behavior, and the origin of chemical elements. Additional research focuses on condensed matter, such as phase transitions in ferroelectric and magnetic materials or quantum materials. The program equips graduates with the skills to excel in academia, industry, and national labs. A thesis or non-thesis option is available.

Physics at South Dakota Mines

Physics student

 

Program Highlights

Department page

Featured Research

  • Calibrations for the improved search for dark matter with the LZ experiment​
  • The IceCube EPSCoR Initiative (IEI) - IceCube and the Data Revolution​
  • Theoretical study of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of Ga1-x MnxAs​
  • Power Over Fiber R&D for the DUNE Vertical Photon Detection System

Featured Courses

  • Electrodynamics
  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Quantum Mechanics

Potential Careers

  • National Laboratories
  • High-performance computing
  • Industrial research
  • Electronics
  • Magnetic design engineer
Department page
Pursuing a physics graduate degree at SD Mines provides you with opportunities to participate in exciting global particle physics experiments. SD Mines boasts an excellent student to faculty ratio, so you will always have access to the one-on-one help that is crucial to success in research. Pursuing a thesis-based MS was an excellent way for me to develop real research skills and figure out that a PhD is right for me.
Michael Fodroci
MS Physics

 

 

Requirements

Physics Department

Eligibility Criteria

3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale
Bachelor's Degree in
  • Physics
Criteria may not be strict thresholds; factors such as work or research experience may be considered. Students with special circumstances should contact the program prior to applying.

Credits

Thesis
Course requirements: 25 credits
Research requirements: 7 credits
Total credits: 32

Non-Theiss
Course requirements: 30 credits
Project requirements: 2 credits
Total credits: 32

Application Deadline

Applications are considered after the deadlines, but timely admittance and/or funding may be affected. Applications may be deferred to a later semester without reapplying.

For Fall Enrollment: February 1
For Spring Enrollment: August 1
Physics Department

Thesis

The thesis option focuses on graduate coursework and independent research. By the end of the program, you will have a written thesis and an oral presentation that defends your original work and contribution to the field of study.
Program Requirements

TYPE
In-Person

ADMISSION MATERIALS
  • Statement of purpose
  • Official US transcripts or international transcript evaluation
  • Official English proficiency scores
  • 3 Letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores not required
COST

Non-Thesis

The non-thesis option focuses on graduate coursework and professional development. Learn the latest advanced information and apply it to your work in the field. There is no requirement for a thesis. A project may be required.
Program Requirements

TYPE
In-Person

ADMISSION MATERIALS
  • Statement of purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • English proficiency scores
COST
 

Have more questions?

Physics MS/PhD:

Xinhua Bai
EEP 217

Meet Our Faculty
(605) 394-2361
Xinhua.Bai@sdsmt.edu
 
 

Related Links

Physics
Sanford Underground Research Facility

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