Physics

The 30-credit M.S. in physics combines advanced coursework in theoretical physics with opportunities for specialized study and research. You’ll build a strong foundation in advanced mechanics, statistical mechanics, electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics, with additional coursework tailored to your interests. Choose a thesis option, which includes original research and a thesis defense, or a non-thesis option, which emphasizes advanced coursework and requires a comprehensive examination.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Related clubs and organizations

Graduate students are encouraged to join one of the many professional organizations which have highly discounted student membership rates.

• American Physical Society
• Materials Research Society

Real-world experience 

Laboratory work and research assistant opportunities with faculty and with local laboratories, agencies and businesses will allow you to apply your knowledge in and outside of the classroom. Some of the most significant research efforts are happening in the areas of:

• Condensed matter physics
• Nuclear physics
• Biological physics
• Astronomy and planetary science 

Beginning Fall 2026, M.S. students appointed as Teaching Assistants will receive an annual support package that includes:

• Base stipend: $19,461.00 for the 9-month academic year
• In-state tuition: fully covered by the program
• Out-of-state tuition: waived for non-resident students
• Health insurance: Student Health Insurance Program premiums not covered
• Summer support: additional scholarship up to $8,000, depending on funding availability

Assistantship stipends are determined by the Idaho State Legislature.

Financial aid

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources 

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities. 

Physics contact
Zach Etienne
zetienne@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page. 

Find Department of Physics faculty advisor contacts.

Applicants for the master’s in physics program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, spring
  • Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Open to international applicants
• Deadlines: General application deadlines. For students interested in being considered for departmental funding, applications must be submitted and completed before January 15 for Fall term admission.
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates.

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application fee: $50

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking admission to the thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Science website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application. 

Jason Barnes, Department Chair and Professor

• Saturn’s moon, Titan
• Extrasolar planets
• NASA Dragonfly mission

Gwen Barnes, Research Associate Professor

• Moon
• Mars
• Impact Cratering

Zachariah Etienne, Professor

• Numerical general relativity
• Black holes and neutron stars
• Gravitational waves
• Distributed computational citizen science

Yale Fan, Assistant Professor

• Theoretical quantum physics
• Theoretical high-energy physics
• Applications of quantum information to fundamental physics
• Applications of fundamental physics to quantum science and technology

Matthew M. Hedman, Professor

• Astronomy and planetary science
• Orbital dynamics
• Planetary rings
• Infrared spectroscopy

You Qiang, Professor

• Magnetic separation nanotechnology for rare earth elements and spent nuclear fuel recycling
• Nano-nuclear technology of radiation detection and shielding
• Iron-based magnetic nanoparticles for cancer treatment and environmental mediation
• Ultrasoft magnetic nanofilms for 5G and 6G telecommunication

David Vartanyan, Assistant Professor

• Supernovae  
• Radiation-hydrodynamic simulations
• Multi-messenger signatures
• Neutrino and nuclear physics

Andreas E. Vasdekis, Associate Professor

• Biological physics
• Microfluidics  
• Optofluidics  

F. Marty Ytreberg, Professor and Director, Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation

• Computational molecular biophysics
• Protein evolution
• Intrinsically disordered proteins