Master of Science [M.Sc] Applied Physics

at Yale University

Core Courses:
 

• Basic Quantum Mechanics  
• Solid State Physics I  
• Solid State Physics II  
• Modern Nanophotonics: Theory and Design  
• Modern Topics in Optics and Quantum Electronics  

• Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university.

• Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants, whose first language is not English.

• Students must be qualified in IELTS or TOEFL to get admission in this program.
   

Indian Student Eligibility:
 

Indian students are eligible to apply if they meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Completed a 4-year UG degree with first class in a relevant field from a recognized institution.

• Completed a master’s degree with first-class in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
   

The student plans a course of study in consultation with faculty advisers (the student’s advisory committee). There are a minimum of five core courses, two electives, and two Special Investigations (APHY 990), for a total of nine graded term courses. Core courses will be chosen from four groups: two from the QM group, and one from each of the other groups. Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS 508), Quantum Mechanics II (PHYS 510), and Electromagnetic Theory I (PHYS 502) will be default courses from their groups, with place-up option to others in the QM and E&M groups based on passing the Physics department exam. There will be no placing out of the required seven courses, except for incoming students with master’s or equivalent degrees, who are allowed to place out of three core courses.
 

The core groups are as follows:

• Group 1 (QM, two courses required): Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS 508)*; Quantum Mechanics II (PHYS 510)*; Quantum Information and Computation (APHY 601); Quantum Optics (APHY 691).

• Group 2 (E&M, one course required): Electromagnetic Theory I (PHYS 502)*; Principles of Optics with Applications (APHY 675); Techniques of Microwave Measurement and RF Design (APHY 816).

• Group 3 (CM Physics, one course required): Solid State Physics I (APHY 548); Solid State Physics II (APHY 549); Statistical Physics I (PHYS 512); Introduction to Light-Matter Interactions (APHY 676).

• Group 4 (one course required): Mathematical Methods of Physics (PHYS 506); Solid State Physics II (APHY 549); Principles of Optics with Applications (APHY 675); Noise, Dissipation, Amplification, and Information (APHY 677).   

• PHYS 508, PHYS 510, and PHYS 502 are default courses requiring place-up exam in order to choose other courses from these groups.
   

Any of the courses from these groups not taken to meet core requirements may be taken as electives. Students who place up from a required course and prefer not to take any of the other courses in that group to satisfy the core requirement may petition the director of graduate studies (DGS) to substitute a different elective. Electives may be widely chosen, but will typically come from the following:
 

• Mesoscopic Physics I (APHY 634); Introduction to Superconductivity (APHY 633); Quantum Many-Body Theory (APHY 610); Nonlinear Optics and Lasers (APHY 679); Biological Physics (PHYS 523). Students may also petition the DGS to substitute an elective not on the standard list. The required seven courses are just the minimum, and students are strongly encouraged to take additional courses that are centrally related to their Ph.D. research. The DGS will work with students and their advisers to ensure that students are prepared for success in their field of research.

• Students must take Responsible Conduct in Research for Physical Scientists (APHY 590), which discusses ethics and responsible conduct in scientific research and fulfills the requirement stipulated by the National Science Foundation for all students and for all postdoctoral researchers funded by the NSF. Note that APHY 590 may not be used to fulfill the nine-course requirement.

• Each term, the faculty review the overall performance of the student and report their findings to the DGS, who determines whether the student may continue toward the Ph.D. degree. By the end of the second term, it is expected that a faculty member has agreed to accept the student as a research assistant. By December 5 of the third year, an area examination must be passed and a written prospectus submitted before dissertation research is begun. These events result in the student’s admission to candidacy. Subsequently, the student will report orally each year to the full advisory committee on progress. When the research is nearing completion, but before the thesis writing has commenced, the full advisory committee will advise the student on the thesis plan. A final oral presentation of the dissertation research is required to be given during term time.

• There is no foreign language requirement.

• Teaching experience is regarded as an integral part of the graduate training program at Yale University, and all Applied Physics graduate students are required to serve as teaching fellows for two terms, typically during years two and three. Teaching duties normally involve assisting in laboratories or discussion sections and grading papers and are not expected to require more than ten hours per week. Students are not permitted to teach during the first year of study. Students who require additional support from the Graduate School must teach for up to an additional two terms, if needed.

• If a student was admitted to the program having earned a score of less than 26 on the Speaking Section of the Internet-based TOEFL, the student will be required to take an English as a Second Language (ESL) course each term at Yale until the Graduate School’s Oral English Proficiency standard has been met. This must be achieved by the end of the third year in order for the student to remain in good standing.

The cost of studying at Yale University varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay $44500 annually, to study in Yale University