Purdue Fort Wayne now offering state’s only master’s in applied physics

Starting this fall, graduate students attending Purdue University Fort Wayne will be able to pursue a Master of Science degree in applied physics. The addition of this degree program received its final required endorsement by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education on Thursday. No other university in Indiana currently offers this master’s, which is often described as a bridge between pure physics and engineering.

Increased interest has led to a 300% growth in physics majors at PFW over the last two decades, while rapidly growing technology industries in northeast Indiana have led to a regional need for skilled professionals with an advanced degree. The master’s in applied physics at PFW will prepare students to apply materials science and quantum theories in associated fields, such as optoelectronics, materials manufacturing, and acoustics. Graduates will also gain advanced experimental, computational, and analytical skills to address real-world industry challenges while meeting the region’s need for a skilled workforce in these key sectors.

“A master’s degree in applied physics represents a significant addition to our list of degree offerings,” said Ronald Friedman, dean, College of Science. “As graduates of this program might pursue jobs in the field of semiconductors, this degree is timely as there is significant interest at both the federal and state level in increasing funding for semiconductor and quantum information science development.”

PFW will offer both thesis and non-thesis options for its master’s in applied physics. The first option requires the graduate student to do scholarly research with a faculty member and prepare a thesis. Those holding such a degree could seek jobs in such fields as materials science, semiconductors, and laser science. These jobs require familiarity with instrumentation and measurement techniques not obtained by those only possessing a bachelor’s degree in physics.

The non-thesis option is well-suited for local high school teachers who wish to be certified to teach dual-credit physics classes. Graduate classes offered as part of this master’s degree would be offered in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate the teachers’ work schedules. PFW believes this option will present the university with an opportunity to significantly increase the number of PFW dual-credit physics classes.

The Master of Science in applied physics degree is expected to be added to the PFW course catalog in the coming weeks. Prospective students may visit the university’s program finder for a complete list, or request additional information by emailing the College of Science at [email protected].

For interview requests, contact Geoff Thomas at [email protected] or 260-437-7657 (mobile).