The master’s qualifying (proficiency) examination is required for students in the physics M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The exam is waived for students with a Physics GRE score above 50%. Students entering the program with an M.S. degree in physics are also not required to take the exam.
The exam consists of 25 questions covering undergraduate physics in the areas of special theory of relativity, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, waves and optics, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The questions are similar in content to those used on the Physics GRE. The exam is administered in two two-hour sessions. Only calculators provided by the department may be used during the exam.
Please note:
- Register with Professor Glatz by email at aglatz@niu.edu at least two weeks before the exam. Walk-ins may not be possible. If you require accommodations, you must begin the process at least six weeks before the exam (see below).
- Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during the exam. If a student is observed using one of these devices during the exam, their exam will be disqualified.
- Accommodations for the exam are available only with official documentation from the university’s Disability Resource Center (DRC).
- Obtaining official documentation may take several weeks, so contact the DRC well before the exam date.
- The DRC coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities. It is located in the Peters Campus Life Building and can be reached at 815-753-1303 or drc@niu.edu.
- Please also contact Professor Glatz privately as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations.
Resources
Physics Graduate Manual (DOCX)