Academic Programs Catalog

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Astrophysics is designed to provide an extensive background in both physics and astrophysics; a student who graduates with this degree may apply for admission to graduate study in either astronomy or physics.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Astrophysics

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Astrophysics major is met by completing 4 credits of Astronomy and Astrophysics 410.  That course is referenced in item 3. b. (1) below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following courses outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy (33 to 39 credits):
   	(1)	One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
   		BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology					3
   		BS	162	Organismal and Population Biology					3
   		BS	181H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology					3
   		BS	182H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology					3
   		ENT	205	Pests, Society and Environment					3
   		IBIO	150	Integrating Biology: from DNA to Populations					3
   		LB	144	Biology I: Organismal Biology					4
   		LB	145	Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology					5
   		MMG	141	Introductory Human Genetics					3
   		MMG	201	Fundamentals of Microbiology					3
   		PLB	105	Plant Biology					3
   		PSL	250	Introductory Physiology					4
   	(2)	One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	141	General Chemistry				4
   			CEM	142	General and Inorganic Chemistry				3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I				1
   		(b)	CEM	151	General and Descriptive Chemistry				4
   			CEM	152	Principles of Chemistry				3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I				1
   		(c)	CEM	181H	Honors Chemistry I				4
   			CEM	182H	Honors Chemistry II				4
   			CEM	185H	Honors Chemistry Laboratory I				2
   		(d)	LB	171	Principles of Chemistry I				4
   			LB	171L	Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I				1
   			LB	172	Principles of Chemistry II				3
   	(3)	One of the following groups of Mathematics courses (12 to 14 credits):
   		(a)	MTH	132	Calculus I				3
   			MTH	133	Calculus II				4
   			MTH	234	Multivariable Calculus				4
   			MTH	235	Differential Equations				3
   		(b)	MTH	152H	Honors Calculus I				3
   			MTH	153H	Honors Calculus II				4
   			MTH	254H	Honors Multivariable Calculus				4
   			MTH	235	Differential Equations				3
   			or
   			MTH	340	Ordinary Differential Equations I				3
   		(c)	LB	118	Calculus I				4
   			LB	119	Calculus II				4
   			LB	220	Calculus III				4
   			MTH	235	Differential Equations				3
   			or
   			MTH	340	Ordinary Differential Equations I				3
   	(4)	The following course (4 credits):
   		CMSE	201	Introduction to Computational Modeling					4
   b.	The following courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
   	(1)	All of the following Astronomy courses (16 credits):
   		AST	207	The Science of Astronomy					3
   		AST	208	Planets and Telescopes					3
   		AST	304	Stars					3
   		AST	308	Galaxies and Cosmology					3
   		AST	410	Senior Thesis					4
   		Students must enroll for a total of 4 credits of AST 410. This is normally split over two semesters.
   	(2)	One of the following groups of Physics courses (8 to 10 credits):
   		(a)	PHY	183	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I				4
   			PHY	184	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II				4
   			PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I				1
   			PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II				1
   		(b)	PHY	193H	Honors Physics I- Mechanics				4
   			PHY	294H	Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism				4
   			PHY	191	Physics Lab for Scientists I				1
   			PHY	192	Physics Lab for Scientists II				1
   		(c)	LB	273	Physics I				4
   			LB	274	Physics II				4
   	(3)	All of the following courses (15 credits):
   		PHY	215	Thermodynamics and Modern Physics					3
   		PHY	321	Classical Mechanics I					3
   		PHY	410	Thermal and Statistical Physics					3
   		PHY	471	Quantum Physics I					3
   		PHY	481	Electricity and Magnetism I					3

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics is designed to provide a thorough foundation in the field of physics together with considerable background in mathematics and a balanced program in the liberal arts. It is designed for those with an interest in:

1. Graduate Study. Within the requirements listed below, the student's electives should emphasize theory in such areas as electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, additional mathematics, and computer programming.
2. Experimental Physics as a preparation for positions in government and industry.  Students taking this program have an opportunity to obtain a basic background in mechanics, electricity and electronics, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. They will also have an opportunity to acquire strong experimental training in at least two and probably three of the following areas: electronics, modern optics, nuclear physics, and solid state (materials) physics. Computer programming courses and experience are strongly recommended.

Recommended programs of study are available in a Department of Physics and Astronomy brochure.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Physics major is met by completing one of the clusters of courses referenced in item 3. b. (4) below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
   1. The following requirements for the major:

      a.		The following courses outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy (35 to 40 credits):
      		(1)		One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
      				BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology				3
      				BS	162	Organismal and Population Biology				3
      				BS	181H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology				3
      				BS	182H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology				3
      				ENT	205	Pests, Society and Environment				3
      				IBIO	150	Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations				3
      				LB	144	Biology I: Organismal Biology				4
      				LB	145	Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology				5
      				MMG	141	Introductory Human Genetics				3
      				MMG	201	Fundamentals of Microbiology				3
      				PLB	105	Plant Biology				3
      				PSL	250	Introductory Physiology				4
      		(2)		One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
      				(a)	CEM	141	General Chemistry			4
      					CEM	142	General and Inorganic Chemistry			3
      					CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I			1
      				(b)	CEM	151	General and Descriptive Chemistry			4
      					CEM	152	Principles of Chemistry			3
      					CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I			1
      				(c)	CEM	181H	Honors Chemistry I			4
      					CEM	182H	Honors Chemistry II			4
      					CEM	185H	Honors Chemistry Laboratory I			2
      				(d)	LB	171	Principles of Chemistry I			4
      					LB	171L	Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I			1
      					LB	172	Principles of Chemistry II			3
      		(3)		One of the following groups of Mathematics courses (14 or 15 credits):
      				(a)	MTH	132	Calculus I			3
      					MTH	133	Calculus II			4
      					MTH	234	Multivariable Calculus			4
      					MTH	235	Differential Equations			3
      				(b)	MTH	152H	Honors Calculus I			3
      					MTH	153H	Honors Calculus II			4
      					MTH	254H	Honors Multivariable Calculus			4
      					MTH	235	Differential Equations			3
      						or
      					MTH	340	Ordinary Differential Equations I			3
      				(c)	LB	118	Calculus I			4
      					LB	119	Calculus II			4
      					LB	220	Calculus III			4
      					MTH	235	Differential Equations			3
      					or
      					MTH	340	Ordinary Differential Equations I			3
      		(4)		The following course (4 credits):
      				CMSE	201	Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I				4
      		(5)		Two additional mathematics courses at the 300-level or above of at least 3 credits each. PHY 415 Methods of Theoretical Physics may be used towards the fulfillment of this requirement.
      b.		The following courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy (33 to 38 credits):
      		(1)		One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
      				(a)	PHY	183	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I			4
      					PHY	184	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II			4
      					PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I			1
      					PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II			1
      				(b)	PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I			1
      					PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II			1
      					PHY	193H	Honors Physics I - Mechanics			4
      					PHY	294H	Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism			4
      				(c)	PHY	173	Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I			5
      					PHY	174	Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II			5
      				(d)	LB	273	Physics I			4
      					LB	274	Physics II			4
      		(2)		All of the following courses (18 credits):
      				PHY	215	Thermodynamics and Modern Physics				3
      				PHY	321	Classical Mechanics I				3
      				PHY	410	Thermal and Statistical Physics				3
      				PHY	451	Advanced Laboratory				3
      				PHY	471	Quantum Physics I				3
      				PHY	481	Electricity and Magnetism I				3
      		(3)		One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
      				PHY	431	Optics I				3
      				PHY	440	Electronics				4
      		(4)		One of the following groups of courses (4 or 6 credits):
      				(a)	PHY	490	Physics Senior Thesis			4
      					Students must complete two enrollments of this course for a total of 4 credits.
      				(b)	Two of the following courses:
      					PHY	491	Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics			3
      					PHY	492	Introduction to Nuclear Physics			3
      					PHY	493	Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics			3
      					PHY	494	Survey of Physics Education Research (W)			3

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in physics is provided for those students who wish a physics major combined with a broader education in the liberal arts than the Bachelor of Science degree program permits. This degree program is also suitable for those students who plan to meet the requirements for teacher certification.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Physics major is met by completing one of the clusters of courses referenced in item 3. b. (4) below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
   
   The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following courses outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy (29 to 33 credits):
   	(1)	One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
   		BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology					3
   		BS	162	Organismal and Population Biology					3
   		BS	181H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology					3
   		BS	182H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology					3
   		ENT	205	Pests, Society and Environment					3
   		IBIO	150	Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations					3
   		LB	144	Biology I: Organismal Biology					4
   		LB	145	Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology					5
   		MMG	141	Introductory Human Genetics					3
   		MMG	201	Fundamentals of Microbiology					3
   		PLB	105	Plant Biology					3
   		PSL	250	Introductory Physiology					4
   	(2)	One of the following groups of courses (5 to 6 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	141	General Chemistry				4
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I				1
   		(b)	CEM	151	General and Descriptive Chemistry				4
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I				1
   		(c)	CEM	181H	Honors Chemistry I				4
   			CEM	185H	Honors Chemistry Laboratory I				2
   		(d)	LB	171	Principles of Chemistry I				4
   			LB	171L	Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I				1
   	(3)	One of the following groups of Mathematics courses (14 or 15 credits):
   		(a)	MTH	132	Calculus I				3
   			MTH	133	Calculus II				4
   			MTH	234	Multivariable Calculus				4
   			MTH	235	Differential Equations				3
   		(b)	MTH	152H	Honors Calculus I				3
   			MTH	153H	Honors Calculus II				4
   			MTH	254H	Honors Multivariable Calculus				4
   			MTH	235	Differential Equations				3
   			or
   			MTH	340	Ordinary Differential Equations I				3
   		(c)	LB	118	Calculus I				4
   			LB	119	Calculus II				4
   			LB	220	Calculus III				4
   			MTH	235	Differential Equations				3
   			or
   			MTH	340	Ordinary Differential Equations I				3
   	(4)	The following course (4 credits):
   		CMSE	201	Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I					4
   	(5)	One additional mathematics courses at the 300-level or above of at least 3 credits. PHY 415 Methods of Theoretical Physics may be used towards the fulfillment of this requirement.
   b.	The following courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy (33 to 38 credits):
   	(1)	One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
   		(a)	PHY	183	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I				4
   			PHY	184	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II				4
   			PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I				1
   			PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II				1
   		(b)	PHY	193H	Honors Physics I - Mechanics				4
   			PHY	294H	Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism				4
   			PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I				1
   			PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II				1
   		(c)	PHY	173	Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I				5
   			PHY	174	Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II				5
   		(d)	LB	273	Physics I				4
   			LB	274	Physics II				4
   	(2)	All of the following courses (12 credits):
   		PHY	215	Thermodynamics and Modern Physics					3
   		PHY	321	Classical Mechanics I					3
   		PHY	410	Thermal and Statistical Physics					3
   		PHY	471	Quantum Physics I					3
   	(3)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		PHY	431	Optics I					3
   		PHY	440	Electronics					4
   	(4)	One of the following groups of courses (4 or 6 credits):
   		(a)	PHY	490	Physics Senior Thesis				4
   			Students must complete two enrollments of this course for a total of 4 credits.
   		(b)	Two of the following courses:
   			PHY	491	Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics				3
   			PHY	492	Introduction to Nuclear Physics				3
   			PHY	493	Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics				3
   			PHY	494	Survey of Physics Education Research (W)				3

The Minor in Physics provides students with a deep understanding of the discipline of physics and to the fundamental physical laws at play in the world around us –and in the universe as a whole. The minor complements other majors where additional physics knowledge beyond the introductory level is beneficial. It prepares students to apply scientific methodology, to think critically and quantitatively, and to understand the experimental and theoretical methods used in modern physics.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Physics, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Physics, and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Astrophysics. The minor is not available to students pursuing teacher certification through the Disciplinary Teaching Minor in Physics.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Admission to the minor requires approval by the Physics and Astronomy undergraduate program director to ensure students are informed of the minor requirements, and have adequate preparation, including the math prerequisites.
 
Requirements for the Minor in Physics

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits from the following:

The Master of Science degree in Accelerator Science and Engineering provides graduate students the opportunity to further their understanding of accelerator science and technology. Graduates will be certified, well trained, and ready for productive careers in Accelerator Science and Engineering. Research is supported by the Accelerator Science and Engineering Traineeship (ASET) Program. Students will gain a broad understanding of physics and engineering of large accelerators; superconducting radio frequency accelerator physics and engineering; radio frequency power engineering; and large-scale cryogenic systems, and their role in accelerator science and engineering. Upon completion of the program, students are able to contribute to the research and development of accelerator systems and associated technologies and support operations of accelerator systems, primarily, but not limited to accelerator systems at National Laboratories and industries.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

For admission to the master's degree program in accelerator science and engineering on regular status, the student must have:

1. Completed mathematics and physics courses equivalent to those that are required for an undergraduate major in physics.
2. A satisfactory grade–point average, normally at least 3.00, in the courses referenced in item 1. above.
3. General GRE and Physics GRE examinations are required for admission to the program. Scores should be sent electronically, directly to Michigan State University.
4. For international students, except those with a 4-year degree from a U.S. institution, TOEFL examination scores must be submitted with a total average score of 100 or higher on the iBT.

The aim of the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in astrophysics and astronomy is to help students to develop the ability to perform independent research and to teach in this field.

Master of Science

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

For admission to the master's degree program in astrophysics and astronomy on regular status, the student must have:

1. Completed mathematics and astronomy or physics courses equivalent to those that are required for an undergraduate major in physics or astronomy.
2. A satisfactory grade–point average, normally at least 3.00, in the courses referenced in item 1. above.

Students who do not meet the requirements for admission to the program on regular status may be admitted on a provisional basis to remove deficiencies.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Astrophysics and Astronomy

The student must:

1. Complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).
2. Pass a qualifying master’s exam that tests basic knowledge of undergraduate physics with a grade of B or above before the end of the student's first semester of the second year. A maximum of three attempts is allowed on this exam.
3. Complete the following core physics courses or their subject examinations, and the following core of astronomy courses, with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
   Physics
   Two of the following:
   PHY    820    Classical Mechanics (3)
   PHY    831    Statistical Mechanics (3)
   PHY    841    Classical Electrodynamics I (3)
   Astronomy
   All of the following:
   AST    810    Radiation Astrophysics (3)
   AST    825    Galactic Astronomy  (3)
   AST    835    Extragalactic Astronomy (3)
   AST    840    Stellar Astrophysics  (3)
4. Complete a minimum of 6 credits of additional course work in physics, astrophysics or computation, with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher at the 800-level or above as chosen in consultation with the student's guidance committee.
5. Complete training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Complete 4 to 10 credits of Astronomy 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
2. The student must form a guidance committee of three regular faculty members: the student's master's thesis advisor, one additional member of the astronomy group and one faculty member from outside the astronomy group.
3. Pass a final oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. Complete 6 credits in Astronomy 805 Research Project. This research project is taken over two semesters and will be graded on the basis of a written paper and oral examination.
2. Pass a final examination or evaluation.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

For admission to the doctoral degree program in astrophysics and astronomy on regular status, the student must have:

1. Completed mathematics and astronomy or physics courses equivalent to those that are required for an undergraduate major in physics or astronomy.
2. A satisfactory grade–point average, normally at least 3.00, in the courses referenced in item 1. above.

Students who do not meet the requirements for admission to the program on regular status may be admitted on a provisional basis to remove deficiencies.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Astrophysics and Astronomy

The student must:

1. Pass the doctoral qualifying exam that tests basic knowledge of undergraduate physics with a grade of A before the end of the student's first semester of the second year. A maximum of three attempts is allowed on this exam.
2. Complete the following core graduate physics courses or their subject examinations, and the following core of  astronomy courses, with a grade-point average of 3.375 or higher.
   Physics
   Two of the following:
   PHY    820    Classical Mechanics  (3)
   PHY    831    Statistical Mechanics  (3)
   PHY    841    Classical Electrodynamics I  (3)
   PHY    851    Quantum Mechanics (3)
   Astronomy
   All of the following:
   AST    810    Radiation Astrophysics  (3)
   AST    825    Galactic Astronomy  (3)
   AST    835    Extragalactic Astronomy  (3)
   AST    840    Stellar Astrophysics  (3)
3. Satisfactorily complete 6 credits in Astronomy 805 Research Project. This research project is taken over two semesters and will be graded on the basis of a written paper and oral examination that also serves as the student’s comprehensive examination.
4. Complete a minimum of 6 credits of additional course work in physics, astrophysics or computation, with a grade-point average of 3.375 or higher at the 800-level or above as chosen in consultation with the student’s guidance committee.
5. Complete training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).
6. Complete one semester as a Teaching Assistant (TA). International students who are not native English speakers must pass the SPEAK test in order to be a TA.
7. Complete 24 credits of doctoral dissertation research in AST 999.
8. Complete a doctoral dissertation on original research, followed by an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

For information about the Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in chemical physics, refer to the statement on the Department of Chemistry.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

For admission to the master's degree program in physics on regular status, the student must have:

1. Completed physics and mathematics courses equivalent to those that are required for an undergraduate major in physics.

Students who do not meet the requirements for admission to the program on regular status may be admitted on a provisional basis to remove deficiencies.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Physics

The student must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis) including:

1. A minimum of 16 credits of approved course work at the 800-900 level.
2. A maximum of 14 credits of 400-level Physics and Astronomy courses approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. These courses may not have been used previously towards another degree. Courses outside of the department may be used with approval by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Concentration in Beam Physics. Students pursuing a concentration in beam physics must satisfy the regular requirements for the master's degree. Credits for the concentration may be earned through courses including PHY 861, PHY 961, PHY 962, PHY 963, and PHY 964.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Complete 5 to 10 credits of course work from PHY 800 Research Methods and PHY 899 Master's Thesis Research combined. At least 4 credits must be in PHY 899.
2. Successfully complete the oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. Complete at least 5 credits of research course work normally met by completing PHY 800 Research Methods.
2. Completion of a final evaluation.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

For admission to the doctoral degree program in physics on regular status, the student must have:

1. Completed physics and mathematics courses equivalent to those that are required for an undergraduate major in physics.

Evidence of some undergraduate or post graduate research experience is desirable.

Students who do not meet the requirements for admission to the program on regular status may be admitted on a provisional basis to remove deficiencies.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Physics

Students must:

The Graduate Certificate in Accelerator Science and Engineering provides graduate students the opportunity to further their understanding of accelerator science and technology. Graduates will be certified, well trained, and ready for productive careers in Accelerator Science and Engineering. Research is supported by the Accelerator Science and Engineering Traineeship (ASET) Program. The certificate is available to masters or doctoral students at Michigan State University. Students can apply for the certificate at any time prior to receiving their graduate degree. Students who wish to complete the certificate must consult with the Graduate Program Director in Accelerator Science and Engineering prior to beginning course work in the program.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Accelerator Science and Engineering

The Graduate Certificate in Instrumentation in High Energy Physics complements  a graduate students’ degree in the field of instrumentation applicable to high energy physics.
The TRAIN-MI program will bring together MSU’s strengths to formulate a curriculum addressing three major areas: (1) advanced sensors for particle and radiation detection, including quantum devices; (2) application-specific front-end electronics and data acquisition’ and (3) systems design and engineering for complex instrumentation, including in extreme radiation, temperature, and low-background environments.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Instrumentation in High Energy Physics
Students must complete 9 credits from the following: