College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Physics

Printed by authority of the State of Illinois1/2011 • 1,500 • 31462

Excellence in Graduate Studies

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Ultra-High Vacuum Chamber in Dr. Wang’sMolecular Physics Laboratory

Tunable Dye Laser used for molecular spectroscopy

Image of a radio galaxy 3C111 obtained with Very Large Array, New Mexico, a facility of the NSF used for research by WIU students.

Fall 2009 Graduates Meenakshi Kohli (L) and Chris Milby (R) with Dr. Boley (C)

Alumni Speak“The best aspect of WIU’s Physics program is the amount of one-on-one interaction with professors that the students can get.”

Dennis T. Norton, Jr. Ph.D. student, University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa

“The Physics M.S. program of WIU helped me to get admitted to the Ph.D. program of my choice. It also helped me to prepare for the Ph.D. qualifying exam.”

Mahendra Thapa Ph.D. student, University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

“The Physics M.S. program of WIU prepared me very well for my career after graduation. I worked for one year as a research engineer with Magna-Lastic Devices, Inc. doing research with ferromagnetic materials.”

David Rigsbee Chair, Mathematics Department John Wood Community College

Quincy, Illinois

Contact UsDepartment of Physics

Currens Hall 212Western Illinois University

1 University CircleMacomb, IL 61455-1390

(309) 298-1596physics@wiu.edu OR wiu.edu/physics

Department of Physics wiu.edu/physics

Physics Graduate ProgramThe Department of Physics at Western Illinois University offers a program of graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in Physics. Our approach is designed to prepare students with different undergraduate backgrounds for successful careers or further study in the field of physics.

The Physics M.S. program provides the advantage of a caring, small department atmosphere with very committed professors. Our students participate in cutting-edge research projects, while assisting in the training of undergraduates. Our program prepares graduate students for challenging Ph.D. programs in top research universities and for competitive jobs after graduation.

The M.S. in Physics can be earned by completing 34 semester hours of work in one of three degree plans: (1) internship, (2) thesis, or (3) coursework.

Ongoing Research ProgramsThe department faculty have ongoing research programs in theoretical, computational, and experimental physics and observational astronomy. Experimental research in the area of solid state physics focuses on the study of magnetoelastic materials, superconductors, and carbon nano-tubes by using magnetic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Experimental research in the area of atomic, molecular, and optical physics includes the study and control of molecular dynamics in ultrafast intense laser fields, high-resolution ultraviolet spectroscopy of biomolecules and their hydrated clusters, and the generation and physical characterization of nano-materials in glass matrices.

Theoretical research is in the area of quantum optics and its applications to the development of quantum technologies for microscopy, metrology, and information processing. In computational physics, the research is related to the study of magnetoelastic effects in materials as well as the design and characterization of Paul radio-frequency ion traps for applications in atomic and optical physics. The observational astronomy research is carried out in the radio range of the electromagnetic spectrum for the study of star formation and the interstellar medium.

Unique FeaturesOur faculty members hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities and possess a rich and varied experience in research and teaching. They actively engage in research, seminar presentation, publication efforts, and educational outreach programs. They share a strong commitment to the betterment of our students and a promise to easy accessibility. They are dedicated to quality teaching and comprehensive training for all of our graduate and undergraduate students. Close collaborations and faculty interactions with other universities and national laboratories allow for students to conduct internships, gain research experience, and even do thesis work in areas not available within our department.

Financial AssistanceGraduate assistantships are awarded on an academically competitive basis and provide a monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and office space. Work assignments for these awards typically involve research participation and offering assistance in entry-level undergraduate physics laboratories and the tutorial center. Financial assistance is also available through the University in the forms of loans and grants. Special financial assistance opportunities are also available for minority graduate students.

Housing and FacilitiesModestly priced living accommodations, providing an atmosphere conducive to graduate studies, are available on campus, including one- and two-bedroom apartments (furnished or unfurnished) for graduate students and

students with children, spouses, or domestic partners. It is recommended that applications for on-campus apartments be made at least one full year in advance due to the long waiting list. Further information and application forms for graduate and family apartment housing may be obtained from the Office of Graduate and Family Housing, University Housing and Dining Services, in Seal Hall, (309) 298-3331 or wiu.edu/student_services. Listings of off campus housing facilities are available in the Student Tenant Union office located in the University Union. Further information is available at wiu.edu/studentlife/macomb.php.

The GoWest Transit bus system provides students with safe, efficient, and competitively priced public transportation on campus and in the Macomb area.

Admission RequirementsCandidates should have completed a bachelor’s degree with a major in Physics. Students applying to the Physics graduate program who have not majored in Physics are welcome to apply; however, they may be required to take additional undergraduate courses to remedy deficiencies in their preparation.

ApplicationApplication materials and complete information are available from the WIU School of Graduate Studies, (309) 298-1806, wiu.edu/graduate_studies, and the WIU Financial Aid office, (309) 298-2446, wiu.edu/student_services/financial_aid.

Our students and faculty at the 2010 Illinois Student Research Conference.Student-presented posters are in the background.

Graduate students in AstroLab: (L-R) Liang Yuan, Jacob Brown, Aaron Schye, and Afnan A Al Marzouk