Master's Programs in Physics: Finding Financial Support

AI Thread Summary
Applying for master's programs in physics presents challenges regarding financial support, as fellowships and assistantships are extremely rare, particularly at PhD-granting institutions. Discussions indicate that while opportunities for funding exist, they are limited, with some master's students occasionally securing teaching assistantships. The situation is somewhat better at MS-only schools, although concerns about the rigor of programs at such institutions are noted. Additionally, the prospect of taking out loans for education is considered, especially with the expectation of securing well-paying engineering jobs post-graduation. Overall, financial support for master's students in both physics and engineering remains elusive.
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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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