Dec 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Applied Physical Science, M.S.A.P.S.

Location(s): Statesboro, Armstrong-Savannah


The mission of Georgia Southern University’s Master’s Program in Applied Physical Science is the preparation of students for leadership and management roles in a wide range of positions in applied chemistry, applied physics, and engineering businesses and industries and to prepare students to attain a doctoral degree in the future. The program offers two different tracks within the degree program (traditional thesis and a non-thesis professional science masters) with three different concentration areas (pharmaceutical science, environmental science, and materials and coatings technology science). All of these degree options are designed to expand the student’s knowledge in the area of physical science and apply this deeper knowledge to projects of interest to the business, government, and non-profit sectors. The faculty is committed to providing an environment that addresses the individual needs of each student and encourages them to develop their potential. The non-thesis (PSM) program places emphasis on blending core knowledge and applied skills in physics and chemistry with an understanding of business and an internship experience and hopes to exceed the standards in place by the Professional Science Masters. The MS in Applied Physical Science fits the University mission by preparing our students to “think, lead, teach, and serve” via our curriculum and promoting “discovery and innovation…to promote talent and economic development” through our internships or project-based experiences as expressed in the University’s mission statement. The degree will give students interested in industrial and business careers an opportunity to become familiar with other possible careers available to them beyond the traditional careers for which they were trained as undergraduates. The non-thesis track, designed to meet criteria for certification as a Professional Science Master’s degree, is a growing trend in the terminal Master’s field and as such has a national organization, the National Professional Science Master Association (www.sciencemasters.com), initially sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Degree Requirements:


Admission

Students are selected for the Master of Science in Applied Physical Science degree program on a competitive basis. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

  1. B.S. or B.A. degree in chemistry, physics, or related degree from an appropriately accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized foreign college or university. Official TOEFL scores (not more than two years old) required for international students.
  2. An overall minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or at the discretion of the graduate admission committee.
  3. Official GRE Report showing competitive subtest scores by the start of the first semester of graduate courses.
  4. Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s potential to complete successful graduate work.
  5. Applicant’s Statement of Purpose & Research Experience, which must address
    1. the student’s preparation and research experiences for graduate study,
    2. the student’s goals for the graduate program, potential concentration area, and possible advisor (for thesis option), and
    3. the student’s professional goals following completion of the M.S.A.P.S. program
  6. The applicant must have the appropriate undergraduate preparation for the area of concentration. This requires meeting the general M.S.A.P.S. requirements and the prerequisites listed for the particular concentration area.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may be admitted provisionally. To be converted to regular status, provisional students must take any appropriate undergraduate courses as recommended by the graduate committee and must earn a “B” or higher in their first nine (9) credits of coursework approved by the graduate director.

Non-Degree Admission

Non-degree students are accepted on an individual basis as space is available. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and submit a Statement of Purpose and Research Experience.

Grades

Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to remain in good academic standing and to be eligible to graduate. In the event the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. Students have nine (9) credits to elevate the cumulative GPA to at least 3.0 or will be excluded from the program. Students earning grades of “F” will also be excluded from the program.

Program Options

The Master of Science in Applied Physical Science program offers a Thesis, Non-Thesis, and Professional Science Master degree options.

A maximum of twelve (12) credits at the 5000G level are allowed for the Master of Science in Applied Physical Science degree.

Professional Science Master (PSM): 36 Credit Hours


The Master of Science in Applied Physical Science Professional Science Master degree offers concentrations in Chemical and Biochemical Science, Materials and Coatings Science, or Pre-Professional Studies.

A maximum of twelve (12) credits at the 5000G level are allowed for the Master of Science in Applied Physical Science degree.

Concentration in Chemical and Biochemical Science: 18 Credit Hours


Concentration in Material and Coating Science: 18 Credit Hours


Thesis Track: 30 Credit Hours


The Master of Science in Applied Physical Science Thesis option offers concentrations in Chemical and Biochemical Science, and Materials and Coatings Science.

A maximum of twelve (12) credits at the 5000G level are allowed for the Master of Science in Applied Physical Science degree.

Concentration in Chemical and Biochemical Science: 15 Credit Hours


Concentration in Material and Coatings Science: 15 Credit Hours


Non-Thesis Track: 36 Credit Hours


Elective Requirements: 15 Credit Hours


Elective courses at 5000G level or above with no more than 6 credit hours at the the 5000G level

Advisement


Graduate students are advised by their program. Graduate students should reach out to their graduate program director for information regarding the structures in place to facilitate advisement. For more information visit Graduate Academic Advisement .

Graduate students can also contact the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies for more information about their program director.
Phone: 912-478-COGS (2647)
mail: gradschool@georgiasouthern.edu