MS in Physics in USA is a 1-2 year program offered across numerous top universities. International students need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute for admission to the program. The top universities in USA expects a competitive GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) for admission to the program. The average cost of studying MS in Physics in US universities is around 24,000 to 48,000 USD (20-40 lakhs INR). You can always apply for university and external scholarships to study in USA to reduce or even remove your expenses.
MS in Physics graduates in USA typically earn 152,430 USD (1.25 crore INR) per year as an average salary. This reflects the high return on investment of the program. Masters in Physics graduates in USA secure employment across several top companies like Google, NASA, Amazon, Adobe, IBM, among others.
Know More: MS Jobs in USA
MS in Physics in USA Highlights
| Courses Available | MS in Physics | M.Sc. in Physics | MS in Applied Physics |
| Course Type | Full time |
| Program Duration | 1-2 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 3.0 GPA (83-86%) | 2 LORs | 1-3 years of work experience | SOP |
| English Proficiency Requirements | TOEFL iBT score: 100 or above |
| Entrance Exams | GRE Score: Verbal: 160+ Quants: 160+ |
| Tuition Fees Range | 5,275 to 59,850 USD (4.37 lakhs to 49.62 lakhs INR) per year (university-specific) |
| Average Salary | 152,430 USD (1.25 crore INR) per year |
| Top Recruiters | Amazon, NASA, Google, Adobe, IBM, Accenture and others |
Top Universities for MS in Physics in USA
USA is home to numerous top universities for MS in Physics program. A few of the top-ranked universities for MS in Physics in USA and their rankings are as follows:
| University | Program | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | MS in Applied Physics | December 15, 2022 |
| Columbia University | MS in Applied Physics | February 15, 2023 |
| New York University | MS in Physics | November 1, 2022 (Closed) |
| University of California - Los Angeles | MS in Physics | December 15, 2022 |
| University of Texas at Austin | M.Sc. in Physics | Spring: October 1, 2022 (Closed) | Fall: December 1, 2022 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | MS in Physics | January 3, 2023 |
| Boston University | MA in Physics | December 15, 2022 |
| Texas A&M University | MS in Physics | January 10, 2023 |
What is MS in Physics in USA?
- MS in Physics in USA is a 1-2 year full-time program.
- The program requires a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) for admission to the program.
- To get into the top universities in USA offering MS in Physics, a minimum GRE score of 167 in verbal and 170 in quant is mandatory.
- Students planning to study on a pocket friendly budget can pursue the course with 7-10 lakhs INR across some universities.
Why Study MS in Physics in USA?
- MS in Physics in USA is available as 600+ courses across various universities.
- Right now, USA is one of the best places to pursue this program. Considering the returns on investment, ultramodern technology and research facilities across some of the world’s best universities, students can rely on USA for their MS Physics program.
- Masters in Physics in USA shows a new horizon to international students interested in research and development. Besides, graduates get the opportunity to work in world-leading companies like NASA, Google, IBM, Accenture, Adobe and others.
- The top 10% employees in USA earn above 208,000 USD (1.71 crore) per year in Physics and Astronomy.
Know More: Post Study Opportunities in USA
MS in Physics in USA Admissions
Top universities in USA looks for the following skills in prospective applicants:
- Research
- Data analysis
- Problem solving
- Reasoning
- Communication
- Information technology
- Numeracy.
Admission to MS in Physics in USA is quite competitive due to huge number of applications submitted every year. The universities expect a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) for admission to Master of Physics in USA. A minimum GRE score of 167 in verbal and GRE score of 170 in quant is strongly recommended to add value to your application.
You can give edge to your admission application with a relevant work experience of 1-3 years, leadership skills, and an appealing SOP. Both fresher and experienced students can submit LOR for USA from teacher or professional supervisors (if available) to express the accomplishments and skills.
MS in Physics in USA Application Deadlines
The top universities in USA generally offer MS in Physics program in the academic terms of Fall, Spring and Summer. The application deadlines for MS in Physics in USA across some of the top universities is provided below:
| University | Program | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | MS in Physics | December 15, 2022 |
| Arizona State University | MS in Physics | Fall: January 31, 2023 |
| The University of Illinois at Chicago | MS in Physics | February 15, 2023 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | M.Sc. in Physics | December 15, 2022 |
| George Washington University | MS in Physics | Fall: April 1, 2023 | Spring: October 1, 2023 |
| Northeastern University | MS in Applied Physics and Engineering | Fall: July 15, 2023 | Spring: November 15, 2023 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | MS in Physics | Spring: January 7, 2023 | Summer: May 15, 2023 | Fall: August 15, 2023 |
| University of South Florida | MS in Physics | Fall: February 1, 2023 | Spring: September 1, 2023 |
| University of Texas Dallas | M.Sc. in Physics | Fall: May 1, 2023 |
| University of Texas at Arlington | MS in Physics | February 28, 2023 |
| Cleveland State University | MS in Physics | Fall: July 19, 2023 | Spring: November 16, 2022 | Summer: April 13, 2023 (IELP only) |
MS in Physics in USA Eligibility
International applicants must demonstrate a relevant bachelor’s degree for applying to MS in Physics in USA with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%). The admission requirements for MS in Physics in the top MS universities USA are tabulated below:
| University | GPA | GRE Score | TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Graduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (89-90%) | Optional, Verbal: 166-172 Quants: 166-172 |
100 |
| Columbia University | Average GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale (89-90%) | Verbal: 167 Quants: 170 |
100 |
| New York University | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) | Verbal: 160+ Quants: 160+ |
100 and above |
| University of California - Los Angeles | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | Optional (168+ is expected in both verbal and quants) | 87 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | Optional, if submitted, 80th percentile or above | 79 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (80-82%) | Not required | 106 with 19 in each section |
| Boston University | No bar | Optional (No cutoff) | TOEFL iBT: 21 in all sections |
| Texas A&M University | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | Verbal: 146+ Quants: 146+ |
80 or equivalent |
| University of Florida | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, average GPA: 3.6 on a 4.0 scale (89-90%) | Optional, if submitted, 300 or above (verbal+quants) | 80 |
| Arizona State University | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | 312 (verbal+quants) | 101 or equivalent |
| The University of Illinois at Chicago | 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (83-84%) | GRE with GRE physics recommended (No bar) | 80 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 3.75 on a 4.0 scale (92-93%) | Avg. GRE Physics: 948 | 102 |
| George Washington University | 3.0 or higher (83-86%) | No minimum score, 50th percentile and above recommended |
80 |
| Northeastern University | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | Not required | 79 with 20 in writing |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | 304 (verbal+quants) | 70 and above |
Explore: GRE Subject Tests
MS in Physics in USA Fees
The cost of studying MS in Physics in USA across the top universities is provided in the following table:
| University | Annual Fee (USD) | Fees for Indian Stuents (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 56,487 | 46.55 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 32,490 | 53.55 lakhs |
| New York University | 58,260 | 49.9 lakhs |
| University of California - Los Angeles | 33,245 | 27.39 lakhs |
| University of Texas at Austin | 10,858 to 16,498 | 8.91 to 13.54 lakhs |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 5,274 to 14,570 | 4.33 to 11.96 lakhs |
| Boston University | 61,050 | 50.31 lakhs |
| Texas A&M University | 10,800 - 16,200 | 8.89 to 13.34 lakhs |
| University of Florida | 12,744 | 10.5 lakhs |
| Arizona State University | 24,498 | 20.19 lakhs |
| The University of Illinois at Chicago | 21,604 | 20.38 lakhs |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 16,587 | 13.67 lakhs |
| George Washington University | 59,850 | 49.32 lakhs |
| Northeastern University | 52,560 | 44.6 lakhs |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | 48,670 | 40.11 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
The cost of living in USA depends upon factors like the university type, location, accommodation type and student lifestyle. The average monthly cost of living in USA for an Indian student is provided below:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Expense (USD) | Expense for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 20,000 to 23,000 | 17-19 lakhs |
| Meals | 8,500 | 7 lakhs |
| Health Insurance | 6,700 | 5.5 lakhs |
| Transportation | 2,200 | 1.8 lakhs |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | 9,100 | 7.5 lakhs |
| Total | 47,000 to 50,000 | 38.8 to 40.8 lakhs (approx.) |
Note: The cost of living in USA depends upon factors like the university type, location, accommodation type and student lifestyle.
Also Check: USA Travel Checklist for Indian Students
MS in Physics in USA Scholarships
Tuition and living cost in the USA is quite high for Indian students. To ease students from the financial burden, universities and external donors offer a number of scholarships to study in USA. The scholarships for Indian students in USA are either need based or merit based. A list of the popular scholarships to study in USA is provided below:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Scholarships | Born on or after January 1, 1992, minimum academic grade of 70%, 2 academic LORs | Up to 100,000 USD |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships | Bachelor’s or equivalent level of study, opting for a 1-2 year masters program | Cost of studying, living, and, travel |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarships | Graduates of an accredited Indian university, below 30 years of age | Up to 20 lakhs INR |
| Fulbright- Nehru Master's Fellowships | 55% or above in bachelor’s, 3 years of professional work experience, must not have any US degree or admitted to any other US program | Tuition and fees, cost of living and related expense, economy class airfare, accident and sickness coverage |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Equivalent of US bachelor’s degree, intent to return to home country | 20,000 to 50,000 USD |
MS in Physics in USA Placements
MS Physics graduates in USA generally pursue higher education and research or work across a variety of fields. MS Physics graduates in USA work in sectors like research laboratories, observatories and offices among others. A graphical representation of the professions pursued by MS in Physics graduates in USA is provided here:
MS in Physics in USA Jobs
The median salary of Physicists and Astronomers in USA is 147,450 USD (1.2 crore INR) per annum, according to the latest report of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the popular professions after pursuing Masters in Physics in USA according to Payscale are as follows:
| Professions | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Salary Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Physicist | 78,675 | 64.73 lakhs |
| High School Teacher | 58,800 | 48.38 lakhs |
| Nuclear Physicist | 176,230 | 1.45 crore |
| Health Physicist | 108,000 | 88.86 lakhs |
| Data Analyst | 67,700 | 55.70 lakhs |
| Medical Physicist | 156,270 | 1.28 crore |
| Research & Development Manager | 112,000 | 92.15 lakhs |
Explore: Jobs after MS in USA
MS in Physics in USA: Return on Investment
The top universities in USA demonstrate high return on investment after MS in Physics. The ROI of some of the top universities is provided below:
| University | Tuition Fee (USD) | Avg. Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 56,487 | 93,000 |
| Columbia University | 32,490 | 88,000 |
| New York University | 58,260 | 82,000 |
| University of California - Los Angeles | 33,245 | 86,000 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 10,858 to 46,498 | 79,000 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 5,274 to 14,570 | 91,000 |
| Boston University | 61,050 | 64,000 |
| Texas A&M University | 10,800 - 16,200 | 53,000 |
| University of Florida | 12,744 | 75,000 |
| Arizona State University | 24,498 | 58,000 |
Also Explore: High Paying Jobs in USA for International Students
A graphical representation of the retun on investment of MS in Physics across the top universities in USA is provided below:
MS in Physics in USA Specializations and Syllabus
The MS in Physics program is centered around mechanics, hydraulics, magnetism, atomic structure, light, sound, and numerous other topics. The core program includes various combination of the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Computational Physics
- Elementary Particles
- Biophotonics
- Biomaterials
- Nanoscience
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biophysics
- Cosmology and others.
Learn More: MS in USA
MS in Physics in USA College Comparison
A brief comparison between some of the highest ranked universities offering Masters in Physics in USA is tabulated below:
| Particulars | Stanford University | Columbia University | New York University |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS Rankings | #3 | #22 | #39 |
| Tuition Fee | 56,487 USD (46.55 lakhs INR) | 32,490 USD (53.55 lakhs INR) | 58,260 USD (49.9 lakhs INR) |
| GPA | 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (89-90%) | 3.6 on a 4.0 scale (89-90%) | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) |
| GRE Score | Optional, Verbal: 166-172 Quants: 166-172 |
Verbal: 167 Quants: 170 |
Verbal: 160+ Quants: 160+ |
| TOEFL Score | 100 or above | 100 or above | 100 or above |
| LOR(s) | 3 LOR | 3 LOR | 3 LOR |
| SOP/Essay | Required | Personal - professional SOP | Not mandatory |
| Work Experience | Not required | Laboratory work experience | Not mandatory |
| CV | Updated CV | Resume | Not mandatory |
| Average Graduate Salary | 93.10 lakhs INR | 57.86 lakhs INR | 90.44 lakhs INR |
Also check the following comparisons between the top universities offering MS in Physics in USA:
Opportunities After MS in Physics in USA
MS in Physics in USA opens doors for doctoral and postdoctoral research for graduates. International students can pursue 5-6 years of research and simultaneously work full time or part time (20 hours a week during studies). Teaching is one of the commonly pursued careers after MS in Physics.
Check: Part Time Jobs in USA for International Students
Research after MS in Physics in USA
Students can perform science research activities after MS in Physics across the top doctoral universities in USA. You can pursue research project across the following disciplines:
- Applied Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Radioactive materials
- Thermal Science and Energy
- Physics and Mathematics
- Particles and Astroparticles
- Condensed Matter Physics
USA Work Permit
As an F1 student visa holder, you can extend your stay in USA with temporary employment of 1 year. While pursuing your Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), your employer can apply for your H1-B visa. Students need proof of employment and must file an I-29 petition with U.S. Citizen and Immigration Department.
Know More: Post Study Work Visa in USA
You can pursue further education in various fields around Physics and Astronomy after MS in Physics in USA. USA also opens the door of opportunity to perform science research activities in some of the best universities and research institutes in the world.
FAQs
Ques. Which country is best for MS in Physics?
Ans. Considering the rankings, return on investment, academic and research opportunities, USA is the best country to study MS in Physics. According to the QS World University Rankings, 2023, USA has the maximum number of top ranked universities offering MS in Physics. Furthermore, USA provides graduates with numerous professional opportunities across some of the leading companies in the world. The quality of education, post study research opportunities and placements with lucrative salaries are the most significant fators to make USA the best for Masters in Physics in the world.
Ques. What are the MS Physics admission requirements in USA?
Ans. Indian students need a minimum of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 scale (83-86%) for MS in Physics in USA. Besides, GRE score above 160, 1-3 years of work experience, TOEFL score of 100 or above, 2 LOR, and SOP are some common additional requirements for the program. Each university might require some distinct information about you, hence it is recommended to thoroughly check the eligibility criteria before applying.
Ques. What is the scope after Masters in Physics in USA?
Ans. After graduation, MS in Physics students in USA can pursue doctoral, and postdoctoral research, or they can work in the offices or join as a professional teacher. The average annual salary of Physicists and Astronomers in USA is 147,450 USD (1.2 crore INR) per year.
Ques. What are the job options after MS in Physics in USA?
Ans. The popular jobs after MS in Physics in USA and their average salaries are listed in the following table:
| Professions | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Salary Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Physicist | 78,675 | 64.73 lakhs |
| High School Teacher | 58,800 | 48.38 lakhs |
| Nuclear Physicist | 176,230 | 1.45 crore |
| Health Physicist | 108,000 | 88.86 lakhs |
| Data Analyst | 67,700 | 55.70 lakhs |
| Medical Physicist | 156,270 | 1.28 crore |
| Research & Development Manager | 112,000 | 92.15 lakhs |
Ques. What is the average salary after Master of Physics in USA?
Ans. According to the latest report of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary after MS in Physics in USA is 152,430 USD (1.25 crore INR) per annum.
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