BS-MS Option in Physics

The Department of Physics offers the opportunity for highly motivated students to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in five years. This option requires serious commitment, careful planning with the student’s advisor, and summer research work leading toward a Master’s degree. By integrating advanced coursework with closely supervised research, this Physics program widens opportunities for students by providing superior preparation for PhD studies or employment. Baccalaureate degree-seeking students with high grade point average (GPA) can get pre-admitted in the M.Sc. degree program and earn graduate credits while still fulfilling the requirements for the B.Sc. degree. This option offers these students a quicker path to complete their targeted M.Sc. degree, within one additional year, instead of the current two years after the B.Sc., with proper advising and guidance. The applicant may apply for the BS-BS option after successful completion of 65 CH, however, he/she can only join the program after successfully completing a minimum of 80 CH in the Bachelor degree program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students in the program typically take upper-level (500) courses at the graduate level, 6 credits of which may count toward both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. 

Objectives

1. Shorten the study period to earn graduate degrees for outstanding students, as they may be able to complete their M.Sc. degree within one year after the B.Sc. instead of the typical two years in the regular admission route.
2. Make it easier for B.Sc. students to continue on to graduate study to provide them advanced knowledge, skills, and attributes to become independent learners for successful careers at the forefront of industrial development and academic areas.
3. Better prepare the physics graduates for the current and future requirements of professional registration with the UAE and internationally, for which having a M.Sc. degree would be an advantage.
4. Foster a tradition of graduate research activity in the physics department with the expectation that there will be an additional benefit to the undergraduate program.

Credit Requirements

The current B.Sc. degree in Physics typically requires the completion of 120 CHs. After completing the B.Sc. degree, students can earn M.Sc. degree by completing an additional 24 CH of graduate course work and 6 CH thesis. For the proposed integrated BS-MS option, outstanding senior undergraduate students will be allowed to choose up to a total of 6 CHs undergraduate electives from the 500-level Physics Graduate Courses (Core + Electives) with double counting of such CHs towards their B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees. This will allow students to obtain their M.Sc. degree after their B.Sc. by completing the remaining 18 CHs of graduate course work and 6 CH thesis. BS-MS students may also take 1-2 additional courses from the M.Sc. program during their Bachelor’s study (these additional courses will only count for their M.Sc. degree). A total of 144 CHs will be sufficient for talented students to obtain integrated B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in 5 years. The double counted courses (6 CH) will be taken from relevant M.Sc. courses (500 level, Core and/or elective courses). This will replace two courses (6 CH) from Supporting Elective Courses Non-Physics basket, based on the advice of the student’s supervisor. Students of the new BS-MS option will be advised after successful completion of 65 CH to take a track oriented towards graduate study.

General Admission Requirements

1. Advanced level (Junior or Senior) B.Sc. status. The applicant may apply for the BS-MS option after successful completion of 65 CH, however, he/she can only join the BS-MS option after successfully completing a minimum of 80 CH in the Bachelor degree program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Proficiency in English demonstrated by a score of 6.0 or higher in IELTS or equivalent.
3. Acceptance of the obligation and responsibility for the graduate study fees.
4. A statement of professional goals.

When there are class limits within the graduate programs, admission will be processed on a competitive basis based on the student’s GPA and career objectives.

Modes of Enrollment:

Students enroll as full-time BS-MS students.

The Early Admission Procedure

Interested students should first check on their eligibility with their respective Graduate Program Coordinator, then submit an application as specified by the University’s Admission office to the College Research and Graduate Studies Office by the announced deadline.

Once the requirements are reviewed and recommended by Graduate Program Committee, the application will be forwarded to the University’s Admission Office for official pre-admission to graduate programs.

Academic Advising Guidelines

During the first semester, the BS-MS student will confer with the Graduate Program Coordinator and faculty members who correlate with his/her research interests. After potential research areas have been identified and mutually agreed to with a faculty member and the Graduate Program Committee, the designated faculty member will become the student’s academic advisor to recommend and approve his/her course schedule for the rest of the duration of the program. This academic advisor will also supervise the student’s thesis.

Probation and Dismissal from the BS-MS Status

All applicable UAEU policies and procedures regarding academic progress of students will apply as relevant for the undergraduate portion of the studies and the graduate portion. Thus, if the BS-MS student, for example, cannot maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) for the graduate courses taken at UAEU of 3.0 or more, he/she will be placed on probation with possible dismissal from the MS eligibility for failing to raise the GPA within the specified number of semesters.

Degree Requirements

Required Credit Hours : minimum 144 hours

BS-MS Courses