Prospective Students

What kind of students benefit from MSPSD?

The Master of Science in the Physical Sciences Division (MS-PSD) at the University of Chicago is a program designed for students who wish to broaden or deepen their knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences. Many students use the program to enhance their lab or coursework experience before entering a Ph.D. program, though MSPSD alumni have also gone on to careers in a wide range of industries.

Customized Curriculum

The MS-PSD program allows students, in consultation with the faculty Director, to design programs of study to meet individual student needs. This flexibility combined with the rigor of UChicago courses makes the program unique.

MS-PSD students have the opportunity to take classes and work with faculty members in Astronomy & AstrophysicsBiophysical SciencesChemistryGeophysical SciencesMathematics, and Physics. Students can build an interdisciplinary course of study or focus entirely in one area.

There are two tracks available for students: the Advanced Coursework track and the Master’s Thesis track. More information about these tracks can be found here.

Research Experience

MS-PSD students who choose the thesis track must complete a research thesis to complete their degree. MS-PSD students interested in the thesis track must find a faculty advisor in the Physical Sciences Division who agrees to supervise their research project.

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