MSIS in Science and Technology

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The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a 36‐hour interdisciplinary master’s program, the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Science and Technology designed for STEM teachers and/or STEM majors who aim for interdisciplinary training and research. Depending on the intended career path, MSIS students will choose 18 hours of physics courses and 9 hours each in two interdisciplinary areas which include Education, Chemistry, Educational Technology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. Thesis and non‐thesis options are available in the MSIS program. These options provide opportunities for students to enhance their scientific knowledge as well as develop skills necessary in conducting interdisciplinary scientific research. Graduates of the program will have interdisciplinary training in physics, mathematics, chemistry, instructional technology, computer science, and STEM teaching and research preparing them to be more competitive in the rapidly changing work environment.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Edgar Corpuz
Assistant Professor
edgar.corpuz@utrgv.edu

30-Hour Thesis/Non-Thesis Program

Two options are available for the degree plan leading to the Master of Science in Physics, and the candidate must declare one of the options at the time of admission. Both options require 30 semester credit hours for successful completion.

Admission Requirements

Information related to the application procedure and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies. All admission requirements as described in the Graduate Catalog remain in effect. Specific criteria for unconditional admission in the M.S. Physics program are as follows:

  • Online Application
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • GRE General test scores (www.ets.org)
    • The scores must be sent by ETS directly to the University. The ETS code for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is 6570.
    • To provide some guidance to prospective applicants, the middle 50 percent of GRE-Quantitative scores for students admitted unconditionally in Fall 2010 ranged from 760 to 800. In the new scale, these scores are 160-166.
  • Official transcripts from all previously obtained college-level degrees.
  • Two letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant's undergraduate or graduate scholastic record. The letters have to be mailed or emailed by the referee as follows:
    • By postal mail to:
      Dr. Edgar Corpuz, Chair of Graduate Committee
      Department of Physics and Astronomy
      The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
      1 W University Blvd.
      Brownsville, TX 78520
      U.S.A.
    • By email to edgar.corpuz@utrgv.edu with the subject line of the email containing the name of the student.
    The envelopes should be sealed and the seal should have the writer's signature across it.
  • Statement of Purpose. Include a letter outlining your motivation why you want to pursue a Masters in Physics. The statement can be provided during the online application process.
  • The following additional requirements apply for international students:
    • TOEFL scores (www.ets.org/toefl) or IELTS scores (www.ielts.org). The scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to the University. For TOEFL scores, the ETS code for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is 6570.
    • Foreign transcripts may be required to be translated and evaluated by a U.S. based agency when necessary at additional cost to the student. (Information on these services is available at the Office of Graduate Studies).
  • Financial Aid through Research and Teaching Assistantship is available for qualified students.
  • Dean's Research Scholarship is available for highly qualified new applicants.
  • Applicants that do not meet the above criteria may qualify for conditional admission as described in the Graduate Catalog.
  • Contact address for the Department of Physics at UTRGV:
    • Dr. Edgar Corpuz, Chair of Graduate Committee
      Department of Physics and Astronomy
      The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
      1 W University Blvd.
      Brownsville, TX 78520
      U.S.A.
  • Email: edgar.corpuz@utrgv.edu with subject line of the email containing the name of the student