Physics is the branch of science that deals with matter and energy, and their properties and interactions. The ones who are pursuing their Online Master’s Degree Program in Physics need to know its importance. It encompasses all dimensions from quantum physics to the study of the complete universe. Its principles apply to various other spheres like engineering, health, technology, etc. Various notable physicists are Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Neil Bohr.
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How to Get an Online Physics Degree
Statistics for People opting for a Master’s Degree Program in Physics:
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20,500 people have opted for jobs related to Physics and Astronomy in 2019. It also states that there will likely be a 7% increase in said jobs by 2029.
According to AIP’s annual departmental survey of enrollment and degrees, 9,193 students completed their Bachelor’s Degree in Physics in 2019, and 909 students completed their Master’s Degree. The number of students is increasing with each passing year.
According to another research conducted by AIP Statistics, the number of people pursuing their Ph.D. Degree in Physics after their Master’s Degree, reached approximately 2,000 in 2019.
Benefits of Online Degree Completion
Branches of Physics:
Various branches of Physics are:
Optics:
Optics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of light, its properties, transmission, and application. It also focuses on the study of lights of different wavelengths like infra-red, ultraviolet, and visible light.
Atomic Physics:
Atomic physics is the branch that deals with the study of atoms and their properties. It studies the placement of electrons, protons and neutrons in an atom. It also focuses on the properties of sub-particles of an atom and their configuration.
Acoustics:
Acoustics is all about the study of sound. It studies the transmission of sound waves and changes in their properties while moving in solids, liquids, and gases.
GeoPhysics:
Geophysics is the study of the properties of Earth. It concentrates on all the physical processes happening inside the Earth.
Astrophysics:
Astrophysics is the branch of science that studies the role of physics in space. It applies the principles of physics to study the life of the universe, its composition, life and deaths of stars, meteoroids, etc.
Thermodynamics:
Thermodynamics is the branch that focuses on the study of heat, temperature, their relation, and other dynamics of heat in different reactions.
Mechanics:
Mechanics is the branch that studies the movement of objects. It also studies the fundamentals of relative motion, the behavior of objects in rest and in motion, and its effects on gravitational force.
Electromagnetism:
It is the branch that deals with the study of properties of matter in electromagnetic forces and fields. It indicates how electrically charged particles behave in a magnetic field.
Fluid Dynamic:
It is the branch of physics that deals with the study of fluids and gasses. Its sub-disciplines are Aerodynamics (Study of air and gasses in motion) and Hydrodynamics (Study of liquids in motion).
Degrees Offered in the Online Master’s in Physics:
Skills Related to Physics:
Having a Master’s Degree in Physics can make you proficient in various skills like:
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Data Analysis
- Numeracy
- Research
- Organizing and Interpreting Data
- Digital Proficiency
Future Prospects of Physics:
You can have a plethora of jobs after completing your online Master’s Degree in Physics. Nuclear engineering is one of the most promising jobs in this regard. You can work in the radiation department, nuclear laboratories, and in atomic power plants. There are various other engineering-related degrees offered after completing this kind of Degree. Those jobs include mechanical engineering, software engineering, and aeronautics.
Researchers have a great chance of getting good jobs in said field. Research has multi-pronged opportunities in the fields of astronomy, thermodynamics, geophysics, and fluid dynamics. Researchers can also study the processes qualitatively and can present high-quality analyses and results.
The teaching prospect of physics can never be ignored. Completing your Degree in Physics can provide you with the opportunity to work as a lecturer, secondary school teacher, and scholar. They can also get jobs in Research Teaching and Doctorate Programs.
If one wants to move towards the medical field, they can pursue a career in radiology, the diagnostics medical field, optical sciences, and the therapeutic field. They can work as an observer or analyzer.
Other fields in which a Master’s Degree in Physics offers a job, are metallurgy, optics, astronomy, and aeronautics. A study by The American Institute of Physics analyzed diverse fields chosen by masses after completing their Physics’ Degree. It shows that people mostly opted for professions with assorted skills after completing their Degree.
Universities Offering an Online Master’s in Physics:
Stanford University is a private research-based university based in Stanford, California. It started kindling the knowledge of students in 1885. Its graduation rate is 94%. Its accreditation is by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences is one of the departments of Stanford University. It offers a three to five year long Online Master’s Degree Program in Applied Physics. This Degree offers the incorporated disciplines of applying the principles of physics in other dimensions.
Columbia University is a private university present in New York City. It came into being in 1754. The graduation rate of the university is 95%. Its accreditation is by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The university offers an Online Master’s Degree Program in Applied Physics of thirty credit hours. It sub-divides the Degree into various other domains like solid-state physics, laser physics, and thermodynamics.
Johns Hopkins University is a private university based in Baltimore, Maryland. The university was founded in 1876. Its graduation rate is 92%. Its accreditation is by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
It offers a five-year Master’s Program in Applied Physics. The curriculum contains four core/compulsory courses and six elective courses. Major areas covered in the program are photonics, materials and condensed matter.
The University of Arizona is a well-reputed research-oriented university. The university is located in Tuscan, Arizona. Arizona University started spreading the realm of knowledge in 1885. Its graduation rate is 60%. Its accreditation is by the Higher Learning Commission.
This university offers a one-year Online Master’s Program in the field of Optics. The degree is flexible for students and allows them to choose either the main core program or complete the Degree with many sub-areas revolving around the focal degree.
The University of Washington is a public-based university located in Seattle, Washington. It started operating in 1861. Its graduation rate is 84%. Its accreditation is by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
The university offers three years of a flexible Online Master’s in Physics Program. It provides diverse career paths with hands-on experiences. Its faculty includes many Nobel prize laureates as well.
Georgia Institute of Technology:
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public institute based in Atlanta, Georgia. It laid its foundation in 1885. The graduation rate is 86%. The university’s accreditation is by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
It offers a two-year Online Master’s Degree Program in the field of Medical Physics. Its flexibility allows the students to complete their education with ease and affordability. The focus of this Degree Program is on the ailment of human diseases and applying various physical principles to alleviate these.
The University of Florida is a public-oriented, research-based university present in Gainesville, Florida. Its origin dates back to 1853. Its graduation rate is 87%, and the university’s accreditation is by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The university offers a two-year Online Master’s Degree Program in Thermal Fluid Transport. Its major disciplines include continuum mechanics, engineering failure, movement of fluids, etc. It is a 100% online program allowing you to complete your degree from home.
Utah University is a public university present in Logan, Utah. The university opened its gates for pupils in 1888. Its graduation rate is 59%. Its accreditation is by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Utah State University offers a one-year Online Master’s Degree Program in Aviation Science. This enriched field provides countless opportunities. The package is flexible and offers multiple domains, like accident investigation and flight safety management.
Comparative Analysis of an Online Master’s in Physics
University | Fee Structure | Working Opportunities | Credibility |
Stanford University | $1,352 per unit |
| 3rd in World Ranking |
Columbia University | $2,196 per Credit Hour |
| 6th in World Ranking |
Johns Hopkins University | 3,802 EUR/credit |
| 12th in World Ranking |
University of Arizona | 16,654 EUR/year |
| 39th in World Ranking |
University of Washington | $26,604/ Complete Course |
| 58th in World Ranking |
Georgia Institute of Technology | 1,020 EUR/credit |
| 69th in World Ranking |
University of Florida | 25,266 EUR/year |
| 88th in World Ranking |
Utah State University | 12,698 EUR/year |
| 517th in World Ranking |
FAQs:
What are various job opportunities after completing an Online Master’s Degree in Physics?
There are multiple job and career paths once you get your Master’s Degree in Physics. A few of these career paths are engineering, business, finance, technology, optics, teaching, and health care.
Is it possible to complete your Master’s Degree in Physics Online over the weekends?
Yes, it is possible to complete the Degree online, but completing it over the weekend seems quite difficult, as it is a fully-fledged Degree. There are definite requirements to complete each credit hour. The degree can be completed solely over the weekends, but it will take quite a long time for completion.
Can foreign applicants apply for this Degree?
The Online Master’s Degree Program enjoys the benefits of globalization. Students across the globe can apply for the Degree Program if they fulfil the prerequisites. These include having an appropriate GRE Score, as well as some other credentials.
Can students participating in an Online Degree Program visit campus for some face-to-face teaching?
Universities will never prohibit their students from coming to campus for visiting. Sometimes universities require students’ presence on the campus for the final exams. It also offers some hands-on webinars and completion courses after the credit hours are complete.
Conclusion
Physics is a diverse field with various integrated branches. Not just physics holds prime importance, but also various sub-disciplines associated with it. The rising demand for sciences and its implications in numerous dimensions make it a popular subject to study. The Online Master’s Degree Program in Physics is a radical step, allowing students to complete their science education from the comfort of their home. There are various deciding factors while choosing a university for completing the degree, like cost, university ranking, and courses offered. People should choose the university based on their preference. One thing is certain; Physics is a field that offers a multitude of great job prospects.
Christina Lyon is the author of this educational blog and she is involved with student’s life and education. She has a passion for writing articles related to education including Degrees, Diplomas, exams, students’ experience, and her prime objective is to support worldwide students by answering all their FAQs through this blog.
