College of Sciences and Humanities
Department of Physics
www.kent.edu/physics

About This Program

Build a deeper understanding of the physical world with Kent State’s flexible Physics M.A., a customizable program designed to fit your background and career goals — whether you’re advancing in education, industry, or preparing for further study. Tailored for working professionals and aspiring educators alike, it offers the freedom to shape your coursework while strengthening your foundation in core physics concepts. Read more...

Contact Information

• Hamza Balci | hbalci@kent.edu |
  330-672-2577

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or vita
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score
  • Starting with the spring 2027 admission term, the minimum proficiency scores will be:
    • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 50 PTE score
    • Minimum 100 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• A total of 30 semester credit hours of graduate courses is required, with no more than one half at the 50000 level. The distribution of these hours will be planned by the student together with the faculty advisor to best fulfill the preparation of the student.

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of these programs will be able to:

1. Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including to think critically and analytically and define and solve problems in physics.
2. Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Physics is a highly flexible program consisting of graduate coursework that can be customized according to the academic background and needs of the individual student. This flexibility is a good match for the needs of part-time students who continue to hold full-time employment in secondary education or in industry.

Post-baccalaureate students in the Ph.D. degree in Physics may apply for the M.A. degree after completing the requirements.