The Department of Physics offers program coursework and research leading to M.S. (thesis optional) and Ph.D. degrees.
The Department has internationally recognized excellence in experimental and/or theoretical aspects of astronomical, biological, condensed matter, nuclear, and particle physics. This research is supported by collaborations with researchers across Virginia Tech and at outside institutions of higher learning.
Degree requirements include courses, both required and elective, and a qualifying examination. There are two options, thesis and non-thesis, both of which require 32 credit hours of coursework. Thesis Master’s students must also write and defend a thesis, roughly comparable to a prelim exam.