About Physics in California State University Fullerton

Our Master of Science (MS) program is designed to meet the needs both of professionals seeking career advancement and students looking to move on to a Ph.D. While our program emphasizes applied physics, research opportunities in basic science are available as well as in physics education research and K12 teaching. Program features include:

• Convenient class times for both full-time and part-time students. Classes are offered late in the afternoon and usually meet once a week in a three hours session per subject.

• Flexible course options with up to 12 units of electives included in each study plan. The average graduation time for our program is four semesters, but part-time students may enroll in one course per semester if necessary and have up to five years to complete the program.

• Research opportunities in atomic and molecular collision science, astrophysics, gravitational waves and relativity, condensed matter theory, fiber optics, and surface physics. Our College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics shares with the College of Engineering a state-of-the-art machine shop where students and faculty design and build custom instrumentation. 

• TA and RA support for most incoming students. We try to offer interested masters students part-time instructor positions teaching one or more of our introductory physics laboratories. There are also opportunities for compensated research working with faculty.

• Convenient location off the 57 Freeway provides easy access for residents of Orange County, eastern and southern Los Angeles County, western San Bernardino County, and western Riverside County. Both on-campus and off-campus dormitories and apartments are available for resident students.

Academic qualification equivalents 

• You are eligible to apply as a graduate student if you have earned a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.

  You must meet the following requirements:

• The minimum English language proficiency as determined by your graduate program. See requirements below.
• Above average class standing at an internationally accredited college or university: the equivalent of at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale is recommended.
• Note: Some master's programs have additional requirements, such as department applications, letters of recommendation, portfolios, auditions, or tests (e.g., GMAT, GRE, MAT). Graduate applicants should check with their graduate departments for additional requirements and deadlines. 
• Graduate students may request to apply a limited amount of transfer coursework towards unit requirements for a master's degree. Transfer coursework is subject to provisions provided by the graduate studies office .

English language requirements

• TOEFL  iBT (including paper, home) : 80
• IELTS Academic Test: 6.5
• PTE Academic Test: 58

California State University Fullerton Highlights

California State University Fullerton Annual Cost to Attend