Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Physics (Thesis Option) | Texas State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 25-1054.00

Skills

InstructingScienceSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingLearning StrategiesActive ListeningWriting

Knowledge

MathematicsPhysicsEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningMathematical ReasoningSpeech ClarityNear Vision

Tasks

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Review articles to determine their suitability for publication.

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareComputer based training softwareDevelopment environment softwareObject or component oriented development softwareCalendar and scheduling software

Tools

Analytical ultracentrifugesCarousel slide projectorsCircular dichroism CD spectrometersCompact digital camerasCompact disk CD playersComputer data input scannersComputer laser printersConcave mirrorsConference telephonesConvex mirrorsDesktop computersDigital calculatorsDigital video camerasDigital video disk DVD playersFar infrared FIR lasers

Work Values

AchievementWorking ConditionsRecognitionIndependenceRelationshipsSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium25-1054.00	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Departmental physics curriculum — lead comprehensive review and redesign, aligning learning outcomes with national disciplinary standards and institutional strategic goals.
Junior faculty and postdoctoral instructors — mentor in pedagogical best practices, research integration, and professional development within the postsecondary physics context.
Large-scale or multi-section course reforms — direct, deploying evidence-based instructional innovations such as active learning frameworks and technology-enhanced laboratories.
Graduate program admissions, qualifying examination standards, and degree requirements — establish and periodically revise to reflect evolving disciplinary and workforce demands.
Externally funded research programs — lead, integrating graduate and undergraduate students as co-investigators and authoring publications in high-impact physics journals.
Institutional policies on academic integrity, grade appeals, and assessment equity — shape and advocate for at faculty governance and administrative levels.
Interdisciplinary collaborations with engineering, chemistry, and computer science departments — initiate and steward, creating joint courses, research initiatives, and shared laboratory resources.
Departmental teaching culture and professional norms — model and reinforce through exemplary classroom practice, public scholarship on physics education, and faculty hiring decisions.
Strategic vision for physics instruction and research — articulate to institutional leadership, accreditors, and external funding agencies, securing resources to advance departmental priorities.
National and international professional communities in physics education — contribute to by presenting innovative findings, serving on editorial boards, and shaping disciplinary teaching standards.

Course Pathway

51 courses in this program

151 courses