M.S. in Applied Physical Science

Georgia Southern student in science lab looking into microscope.

Utilize the Apply applied physical science degree in industry business, government and non-profit spaces through real-world experience and collaboration with faculty performing cutting-edge research.

Locations

  • Statesboro Campus (In Person)
  • Armstrong Campus (In Person)

Why Pursue a M.S. in Applied Physical Science at Georgia Southern?

  • Earn a terminal degree that prepares you to excel in the world of professional science.
  • Work alongside faculty doing cutting-edge research in cancer, environmental science, materials science and more.
  • Choose an interdisciplinary focus in either Materials and Coatings Science or Chemical and Biochemical Science, with applications in fields as varied as catalysisinformation technology, pharmaceuticals and alternative energy.
  • Work with state-of-the-art instrumentation such ascapable of NMR, mass spectrometry, x-ray crystallography and EPR.
  • Choose either a thesis or non-thesis route, with the opportunity to complete an internship project in a real-world industrial setting.

The M.S. in Applied Physical Science at Georgia Southern combines the highest academic qualities of our science program with real-world lessons in application and professional science. Students in this program will learn first-hand how chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, physics, and environmental science contribute to advances in technology, medicine and energy. 

Not only will students perform rigorous research alongside nationally-recognized faculty, but they will also hone their skills in presenting information, solving complex problems and evaluating scientific findings against the requirements and constraints of the marketplace.

This program is ideal for students with a high appreciation for scientific rigor and discovery, and a desire to see those values impact our world in a positive way.

What Can You Do With a M.S. in Applied Physical Science?

Graduates from our applied physical science program go on to apply highly technical knowledge and skills in the professional world of medicine, pharmaceuticals, materials science, information technology, alternative energy and environmental science.

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Jobs in Applied Physical Sciences

  • Environmental Scientist
  • ChemistMeteorologist
  • Bioinformatics Specialist
  • Materials Scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Physicist
  • Research Coordinator
  • Medical Physicist
  • Scientist
  • Toxocologist
  • Mathematical Modeler

Where Our Graduates Work

  • SNF Holding Company
  • Alcami Corporation
  • Gulfstream Aerospace
  • 3M
  • Addington Place of Alpharetta
  • Aligent Technologies
  • Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Alliance Transportation Services
  • Amyx, Inc.
  • Apex Systems
  • Ardelyx, Inc.
  • Belletets, Inc.

What Our Graduates Do

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Business Development Manager
  • CEO
  • Consultant
  • General Manager
  • Airline Pilot
  • Teacher
  • Analytical Chemist
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Processing Manager

What You’ll Learn

As an applied  physical sciences masters student you will carry out research alongside faculty in a variety of fields, including cancer research, coastal plain science, materials science, and computational science. You will learn how to apply your scientific skills and knowledge to real-world problems such that you understand:

  • The theory and knowledge of industrial science, including the structure of the chemical industry, green chemistry principles, the value of chemical products and the forces for change and innovation.
  • The critical thinking and project management skills to implement creative and effective solutions.
  • The oral and written communication skills expected of a future professional.
See the Courses and Curriculum

Join Sigma Xi

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, is the international honor society of science and engineering. The society’s mission is to enhance research and STEM education, foster integrity in science, and promote the public’s understanding of science. Our local Sigma Xi chapter serves the Georgia Southern University community by providing an avenue for membership in this interdisciplinary society for faculty and students conducting research within any field of pure or applied science.

Graduate Assistantships

Qualified students admitted to the master’s degree in applied science program will be awarded a graduate assistantship (GA), which includes a tuition waiver and a stipend. A graduate assistant will help instruct undergraduate students in general chemistry labs or organic chemistry labs.

Professional Science P.S.M.

Students who wish to pursue our non-thesis track may pursue a Professional Science Master’s degree where emphasis is placed on blending core knowledge and applied skills in physics and chemistry with an understanding of business. The track culminates in an internship experience with a real-world industry partner. This degree track is designed to meet criteria for certification as a Professional Science Master’s degree, which is a growing trend in the terminal Master’s field and as such has a national organization, the National Professional Science Master Association.

Thesis Track

Students who elect to complete the M.S. in Applied Physical Science program under a thesis option will also choose one of the two concentration areas and will enroll in the same three Core science classes as students in the non-thesis track. More Information.

Non-Thesis Track

See the catalog page for a full list of the non-thesis track requirements.

Explore Careers

Find a variety of resources for planning your career from our Office of Career and Professional Development.

Thesis Track Information

The major difference for the thesis option curriculum is the replacement of 15 non-science hours with 12 hours of science courses and the replacement of the final internship or industrial project (3 hours) with a written thesis document which must be defended. This curriculum requires a total of 24 hours of coursework and a research thesis interpreting the results of an independent research project.
Each thesis student is advised by a committee of at least three graduate faculty members, one of whom is the major advisor or committee chair. At the end of the student’s course of study, a public exit seminar describing the thesis must be presented before the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics and then defended before the thesis committee.

Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application: 

  • Visit our website for the College of Graduate Studies. Complete the requested information and create a login name and password.
  • Follow this link and initiate an on-line application. The cost for the application is $50. After completing this on-line form, the application must be supported by transcripts, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of your career goals and research interests. International students should submit scores from the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and have transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
  • In order to make it easy for us to follow your progress, we strongly recommend that you correspond with the graduate program director (Dr. Michele Davis McGibony) early in the application process. The graduate program director can give you many useful tips and answer any questions about your application. Although your online application will trigger steady correspondence from the university, it is the graduate program director in physical sciences that can give you the most personalized attention and the most accurate information regarding a final decision on your application.

Requirements

  • The graduate program in physical sciences prefers a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on all undergraduate work, but students with a lower GPA may be admitted to the program at the discretion of the graduate committee. Students entering this program are expected to have broad training in the chemical and physical sciences and therefore, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or physics is preferred, but students with a bachelor’s degree in any area of science may be considered.
  • For more detailed information on graduate admissions at Georgia Southern, visit the website of the College of Graduate Studies or download a university catalog.
Apply as a Graduate Student

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Take the Next Step

Enter the world of applied physicalprofessional science and make an impact on our future world.

Contact Us

Dr. Michele Davis McGibony

Graduate Program Director

Department of Chemistry

Phone: (912) 478-5919

mdavis@georgiasouthern.edu