M.A. and M.Phil. Degree Requirements & Processes
M.A. Degree in Physics (Prerequisite to the M.Phil)
The Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degrees represent important academic milestones on the path to the Ph.D. in Physics at Columbia University. These degrees recognize a student's successful completion of coursework, residence requirements, and academic progress toward independent research. Completion of both degrees is required before a student may earn the Ph.D. in Physics. This degree is a prerequisite for the M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees, unless a student has been awarded two Residence Units of advanced standing.
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Physics
The M.Phil. degree signifies a student's successful completion of all doctoral requirements except the dissertation. Earning the M.Phil. marks formal advancement to doctoral candidacy and demonstrates readiness to focus exclusively on dissertation research.
To qualify for the M.Phil. degree, students must complete:
- All M.A. degree requirements (or receive advanced standing)
- Six Residence Units in total, including the two earned toward the M.A.
- Required graduate coursework in core physics subjects
- Field-specific coursework aligned with the student's research area
- Departmental qualifying examination requirements
- All instructional and departmental requirements for doctoral students
Students must also resolve any outstanding grades of Incomplete (IN) or Credit Pending (CP) before the M.Phil. can be awarded.
Core Course Requirements
Students must successfully complete the following core courses:
- Electromagnetic Theory (PHYS G6092)
- Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS G6037)
- Quantum Mechanics II (PHYS G6038)
- Statistical Mechanics (PHYS G6036)
In addition, students must complete one of the following:
- Quantum Field Theory I (PHYS G6047), or
- Classical Waves and Fields (PHYS G6094)
A minimum grade of B- is required in each core course.
Field-Specific Coursework
Students must complete two advanced courses within a selected research area, typically chosen in consultation with their faculty advisor. Available fields include:
- Astrophysics and Cosmology
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- High Energy and Particle Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- General Relativity
- Biological Physics
With approval from both the faculty advisor and Director of Graduate Studies, one field-specific course may be substituted with an appropriate 6000-level course from Physics or another department.
Students should apply for the M.Phil. after completing all required coursework, examinations, residence requirements, and doctoral milestones other than the dissertation. The application is reviewed by the Department and submitted to GSAS for final approval and degree conferral. Instructions on Applying for the MPhil can be found HERE.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Physics
The M.A. degree serves as the first graduate milestone within the doctoral program and provides students with a strong foundation in advanced physics coursework. The degree is a prerequisite for both the M.Phil. and Ph.D., unless a student has been granted advanced standing.
M.A. Requirements
To earn the M.A. degree, students must complete:
- 30 points of letter-graded coursework, with at least 24 points earned within the Department of Physics
- A minimum of 15 points in Physics courses numbered 6000 or above
- Coursework selected in consultation with an academic advisor to ensure broad preparation in classical and quantum physics
- A minimum of two Residence Units (RUs)
- Satisfactory academic performance as determined by the Committee on Graduate Work
There is no language examination or thesis requirement for the M.A. degree. Students are expected to complete the M.A. requirements within four consecutive semesters (excluding summer terms).
Applying for the M.A.
Once all requirements have been satisfied, students should submit the departmental M.A. application form and supporting documentation to the Graduate Program Office. Applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility before degree conferral by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
4 Core Courses:
- PHYS G6092: Electromagnetic Theory
1 of the Following:
- PHYS G6047: Quantum Field Theory I
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G6011: Astrophysics I
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G6040: Nuclear Physics
4 Core Courses:
- PHYS G6037: Quantum Mechanics I
1 of the Following:
- PHYS G6094: Classical Waves and Fields
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G6012: Astrophysics II
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G6050: Particle Phenomenology
4 Core Courses:
- PHYS G6038: Quantum Mechanics II
1 of the Following:
- PHYS G6057: Many-Body Physics
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G6060: Atomic Physics
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G6070: Biological Physics
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G6082: Condensed Matter Physics I
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G6081: Solid State Physics
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G6083: Condensed Matter Physics II
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G8036: Advanced Statistical Mechanics
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G6047: Quantum Field Theory I
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G8048: Quantum Field Theory II
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G8069: Particle Physics I
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G8049: Quantum Field Theory III
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G8040: General Relativity
Additional Courses:
- PHYS G8066: Special Topics: Condensed Matter Physics
2 Field-Specific Courses:
- PHYS G6094: Classical Fields and Waves
Additional Courses:
PHYS G6042: Experimental Methods for Nuclear, Particle, and Astrophysics
**A B- or better grade is required for each of the core courses (Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics I, Quantum Mechanics II, Statistical Mechanics).
With special permission from the student's Ph.D. advisor and DGS, the student may if justified substitute *one* of the two field-specific courses with a 6000-level course outside this list from Physics or another department, by filling out this substitution form and submitting it to [email protected].