Master's Programs in Physics: Finding Financial Support

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of finding financial support for master's programs in physics, with participants sharing their experiences and insights regarding fellowships and assistantships. The conversation also touches on the comparison of financial support availability between physics and engineering master's programs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding financial support for master's programs in physics, questioning the circumstances under which such support might be available.
  • Another participant notes that it is extremely rare for terminal master's students in physics to receive financial support, particularly at PhD-granting institutions, and suggests considering MS-only schools like Creighton.
  • A third participant agrees that financial support is generally limited for master's students across disciplines, but mentions the possibility of finding a teaching assistantship, indicating that it is not entirely impossible.
  • A later reply raises concerns about the rigor of programs at MS-only institutions and expresses a personal preference against living in Nebraska, while also contemplating the option of taking out a loan for potential employment as an engineer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that financial support for master's students in physics is limited, but there are differing views on the potential for support at MS-only institutions and the implications of choosing such schools.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the availability of financial support and the quality of programs at MS-only institutions, indicating a reliance on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence.

DownAndOut
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Hello, all.

I'm looking into applying to master's programs in physics. Unfortunately for me, it seems that very few schools provide fellowships and assistantships to master's students in physics. And, by very few, I mean to say that I haven't found a single one yet. In your experience is this correct? Or rather, under what circumstances can a master's student in physics get financial support?

Also, is the situation better for students in engineering master's programs?

Thanks.
 
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In physics it is extremely rare for a terminal masters' student to get financial support, particularly at PhD-granting institutions. Have you looked at MS-only schools, like Creighton?
 


In general, masters students (engineering, physics, or otherwise) don't get a lot of support. As Vanadium says, the situation would be a bit better at an MS-only school, but even then, support opportunities are very limited.

(I'd stick with elusive though. I know of at least one masters student with a TAship, so it's not totally impossible.)
 


Hey, guys. Thanks for your help.

In response to Vanadium: no, I haven't thought about going to a MS-only institution. Now that you bring it up though, I'm concerned that an MS-only school wouldn't have programs that are as rigorous. Also, in regard to Creighton specifically, I would very strongly prefer not to live in Nebraska...

In any case, I guess taking out a small loan wouldn't be so bad if I could expect immediate employment with a decent salary as an engineer... :rolleyes:
 

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