2011–2012 UNIVERSITY CATALOG - Florida Institute of Technology

Space Sciences, M.S. ________________________
Major Code: 8132 Degree Awarded: Master of Science
Age Restriction: N Admission status: graduate
Delivery Mode/s: classroom only Location/s: main campus
Admission Materials: 3 letters of
recommendation, résumé, objectives
The space sciences graduate program stresses many subfields of
space studies, such as stellar and extragalactic astrophysics, solarterrestrial
interrelation (space weather, solar energetic particles),
cosmic ray physics, energetic radiation from thunderstorms and
lightning on Earth and other planets, planetary science, human
space exploration research and related instrumentation. Graduate
study in space sciences at the master’s level prepares graduates
for continued and specialized study toward the doctoral degree in
space-related fields as well as a wide range of scientific and technical
responsibilities in industry and government.
Admission Requirements
An applicant for admission should have an undergraduate degree in
any subfield of space sciences (astronomy/astrophysics, geosciences,
planetary sciences, astrobiology), physics or a related engineering
field. All entering space sciences graduate students are required to
be prepared in mathematics at least through vector analysis. The
GRE scores from both the general and subject test in physics are
recommended but not required.
Degree Requirements
The master’s degree is conferred on students who have satisfactorily
completed a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of
graduate study. A master’s thesis is optional.
Master’s degree students must complete the following five core
courses with a grade of C or better:
Core Courses (15 credit hours)
MTH 5201 Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering 1 ............ 3
PHY 5015 Analytical Mechanics 1 ........................................................... 3
PHY 5017 Electromagnetic Theory 1 ....................................................... 3
PHY 5030 Quantum Mechanics 1 ........................................................... 3
PHY 5082 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics ................................ 3
In addition, students must take three subject courses from the list
below and six semester credit hours of Thesis (SPS 5999). Students
choosing to complete a nonthesis program must take two additional
subject courses in place of the six semester credit hours of thesis.
The subject courses must be PHY or SPS 5000-level and above,
and must include at least three courses from the following:
Subject Courses (a minimum of 3 courses from the following)
MTH 5202 Mathematical Methods in Science Engineering 2 .................. 3
SPS 5010 Astrophysics 1: Stellar Structure and Evolution ...................... 3
SPS 5011 Astrophysics 2: Galactic Structure and Cosmology ................. 3
SPS 5020 Space Physics 1: The Low-Energy Universe ........................... 3
SPS 5021 Space Physics 2: The High-Energy Universe .......................... 3
SPS 5030 Planetary Science 1: Interiors ................................................. 3
SPS 5031 Planetary Science 2: Atmospheres .......................................... 3
Course substitutions must be approved by the department head and
the Graduate Research and Academic Steering Panel (GRASP).
A general written examination is required in the first semester of
residence for diagnosing any deficiencies in undergraduate preparation.
Any deficiencies must be removed before a degree will be
granted, as evidenced by this examination.
Before the master’s degree is granted, the student must pass a final
oral examination administered by a committee of three or more
members of the graduate faculty selected by the student and the
departmental adviser and including at least one member from outside
the physics department. The oral examination emphasizes, but
is not necessarily restricted to, subject matter related to the field of
the thesis. For students not electing to do a thesis, the oral examination
covers the general areas of the student’s graduate studies.
Interdisciplinary Science, M.S. __________________
Major Code: 8035 Degree Awarded: Master of Science
Age Restriction: N Admission status: graduate
Delivery Mode/s: classroom, online Location/s: main campus
Admission Materials: 2 letters of
recommendation, résumé, objectives
The professional interdisciplinary science master’s program
(PRISM) is designed to increase the student’s science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) expertise; add competence
in business, systems engineering and communication; and provide
an online learning experience. A practical real-world internship as
well as a research/development experience is required.
Admission Requirements
An applicant for admission should have an undergraduate degree in
a STEM field.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are
presented in the Academic Overview section. GRE scores from the
general and subject tests are recommended but not required.
Degree Requirements
The master’s degree is conferred on students who have satisfactorily
completed a minimum of 31 semester credit hours of graduate
study. A thesis is optional.
Curriculum
Core Courses (13 credit hours)
BUS 5601 Essentials of Business Development 1 .................................... 3
BUS 5602 Essentials of Business Development 2 .................................... 3
ISC 5200 Professional Interdisciplinary Science Master’s Seminar ........ 1
SYS 5310 Systems Engineering Principles .............................................. 3
Restricted Elective (online only) ............................................. 3
STEM Courses (12 credit hours)
Students choose from approved courses under any STEM area
(science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in consultation
with student’s adviser.
Electives (6 credit hours)
Students may select specialized STEM courses or courses broadening
the interdisciplinary component in consultation with student’s
adviser.
Internship/Research (0 credit hours)
Students choosing internship experience are expected to take part
in an experience in industry, business or academia, or a federal
agency, NGO or nonprofit.
Students choosing the research experience are expected to take
part in an experience in industry; a small, high-tech company;
national/international research laboratory; or academia.
Thesis Option (6 credit hours)
Six semester credit hours of research substituted for the same
number of semester credit hours from the STEM or elective area.
Degree Programs—College of Science 199