Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Science and Technology (MSIS)
General Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a 36-hour interdisciplinary master’s program, the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Science and Technology designed for STEM teachers and/or STEM majors who aim for interdisciplinary training and research. Depending on the intended career path, MSIS students will choose 18 hours of physics courses and 9 hours each in two interdisciplinary areas which include Education, Chemistry, Educational Technology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. Thesis and non-thesis options are available in the MSIS program. These options provide opportunities for students to enhance their scientific knowledge as well as develop skills necessary in conducting interdisciplinary scientific research. Graduates of the program will have interdisciplinary training in physics, mathematics, chemistry, instructional technology, computer science, and STEM teaching and research preparing them to be more competitive in the rapidly changing work environment.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in physics education, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
- GRE General test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years.
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation from referees conversant with the candidate’s academic background.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Students entering the program should have science background to be admitted into the MSIS in Physics Education program. The program requires 16-18 hours of physics courses (including PSCI 1421, PSCI 1422, PHYS 1401 and PHYS 1402 and advanced physics hours) for students/teachers coming from other disciplines to be admitted to the program on a non-conditional basis. Others may be admitted to the program under a conditional status on a case by case basis.
Admission is possible in all semesters but is restricted to in-service teachers or to those who are intending to enter the teaching profession.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements include successful completion of 36 semester hours of approved graduate credit and the successful completion of a written comprehensive examination. Students are expected to take the written comprehensive exam after completing their graduate physics core courses. Students should contact the program director to schedule the comprehensive exam.
Required Courses (18 Credits)
Choose from the following courses:
Interdisciplinary Areas
Choose TWO areas from the following:
Education Course (9 Credits)
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Chemistry (9 Credits)
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Computer Science (9 Credits)
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Educational Technology (9 Credits)
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Mathematics (9 Credits)
Choose from the following recommended courses:
Modeling of Dynamical Systems for STEM Professionals (9 Credits)
Choose from the following recommended courses:
| PSCI 5301 | Dynamics for STEM Professionals | 3 |
| PSCI 5302 | Mathematical Methods for STEM Professionals | 3 |
| PSCI 5303 | Electricity and Magnetism for STEM Professionals | 3 |
| PSCI 5304 | Quantum Ideas for STEM Professionals | 3 |
Capstone Requirement (Non-Thesis)
Written Comprehensive Exam
Total Credit Hours: 36