Our graduates are succeeding in high-tech roles across diverse industries such as data science, medical research, financial services, advanced manufacturing, quantum industry, product design and development, engineering, computer and information systems, and many others. We prepare a future-ready workforce that fits the needs of high-tech and start-up companies. Recent employers of our graduates include:

• Intel Corporation
• Regions Bank
• NASA
• Taiwan Semiconductors
• KLA
• Northrop Grumman
• Micron Technology
• IPG Photonics
• Samsung
• Analog Devices

Recent graduates of our Physics program have also gone on to:

• Research labs such as Los Alamos National Laboratory, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Army Research Lab, etc.
• Universities such as Berry College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Troy University, University of West Georgia, etc.
• Ph.D. Programs such as the University of California Berkeley, Stanford University, Pennsylvania State University, Yale, University of Colorado at Boulder, etc.

Gain cutting-edge skills and industry connections that will set you apart with:

• State-of-the-Art Resources
  • The new UAB Science and Engineering Complex
  • Dedicated research spaces for:
    • Advanced Materials Science
    • Optics and Photonics
    • High-Performance Computing
    • Quantum Technologies
• Industry-Connected Learning
  • Mentored research projects with world-renowned, accomplished faculty
  • National lab and industry partnerships
  • Networking opportunities
• Flexible Program Options
  • Traditional MS track with four specialized concentrations
  • Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's path
  • Research or coursework focus

Computational Physics

Perfect for aspiring Data Scientists, AI Specialists, and Quantum Engineers:

• Master the intersection of physics and computing
• Develop your skills in:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • High-Performance Computing
  • Quantum Computing
  • Advanced Data Analytics
• Potential Career Paths: Medical Research, Financial Technology, Defense Industry, Large Tech Companies, and many more

Advanced Materials Physics

Perfect for aspiring Materials Scientists, R&D Innovators, and Manufacturing Engineers

• Drive innovation in next-generation materials
• Specialize in:
  • Smart Materials and Nanotechnology
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Materials Characterization
• Potential Career Paths: Aerospace, Semiconductor Industry, Biomedical Materials, Defense Sector, and many more

High-Tech Instrumentation

Perfect for aspiring Instrument Engineers, Technical Managers, and R&D Experts

• Master cutting-edge scientific and high-tech instrumentation
• Develop expertise in:
  • Advanced Measurement Systems
  • Scientific Equipment Design
  • Automation and Control Systems
• Potential Career Paths: Medical Devices, Research Labs, Manufacturing, Quality Control, and many more

Optics & Photonics

Perfect for aspiring Photonics Engineers, Laser Systems Specialists, and Optical Applications Engineers

• Pioneer the future of light-based technologies and optoelectronic devices
• Specialize in:
  • Quantum Optics
  • Biomedical Photonics
  • Advanced Laser Systems
  • Optical Communications
• Potential Career Paths: Telecommunications, Medical Imaging, Defense and Semiconductor Industry, and many more

Master's Program

Transform your future with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) job-focused master’s (MS) degree in physics. Are you ready to unlock new career opportunities with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), high performance computing (HPC), advanced materials, quantum science, lasers, and high-tech instrumentation? At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, our Master of Science in Physics offers four industry-driven concentrations that prepare you to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where physics, engineering, digital sciences, and medicine converge to drive groundbreaking innovation.

Why Choose UAB's MS in Physics?

• Industry-Aligned Education: Each of our four concentrations is tailored to high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, biomedical technologies, and quantum engineering, ensuring that you’re well equipped for the next generation of STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) careers.
• Strategic Location: Located in Alabama's expanding tech and biomedical hub, the Department of Physics offers exposure to growing job markets in areas such as quantum technologies, data science, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
• Real-World Experience: Through mentored research projects and hands-on learning, you’ll gain practical skills that align with today’s industry demands.
• Competitive Salaries: Physics graduates with an MS degree can expect starting salaries between $80,000 and $120,000 or more in private sector roles.
• Flexible Learning Paths: You can choose between our four specialized concentrations, our traditional MS program, or our Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) program ranked among the top 25 in the nation.

Plan I vs. Plan II

You have two options for completing our M.S. in Physics — Plan I and Plan II. The main difference is that Plan I requires a thesis while Plan II replaces the thesis with additional coursework.

Plan I

You should consider Plan I if:

• you are uncertain if you want to pursue a Ph.D., but would like to broaden your education and develop new skills useful for employment in industry
• you desire a combination of advanced study and hands-on experiences that will make you most competitive for a 21st-century professional career in a STEMM or related field

Acceptance into Plan I is decided by the physics graduate faculty member who will supervise your thesis research and help you develop a plan of study. The Department of Physics will establish a M.S. Graduate Study Committee to review and concur your plan of study and oversee your thesis.

Plan II

With the approval of the physics graduate program director, the non-thesis option (Plan II) is recommended for students planning to continue toward a more advanced degree, whether Ph.D. or M.D. In this case, the same total credit hours as for Plan I is required, but Plan II does not require the 6 semester hours of Thesis Research (PH699). 

Course Catalog

A complete list of program requirements and courses are available in the UAB Graduate Catalog.

Contact

Any questions about our graduate programs can be directed to the graduate program director Dr. Shane Aaron Catledge.

Start Your Application