FAQs for the Coterminal Master’s Degree Program in Applied and Engineering Physics

1. Is there a coterminal degree in Applied and Engineering Physics?

YES. It is administered by the Department of Applied Physics. 

2. Who is eligible to apply?

All applicants must have earned a minimum of 120 units toward graduation as shown on the undergraduate unofficial transcript. This includes allowable Advanced Placement (AP) and transfer credit.  See http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/coterm
for additional university requirements. 

Applicants must submit to the Applied Physics Department a complete application package through ApplyWeb:

•  Application for Admission

•  Preliminary Program Proposal Form

•  Two letters of recommendation from members of the Stanford faculty

•  Statement of Purpose (no more than two pages please)

•  Unofficial transcript 

In order to succeed in our coterminal program, we believe that each student must have formal technical courses in mathematics at the level of MATH 41, 42, 51-53 and physics at the level of PHYSICS 41, 43, 45 as well as exposure to topics in elementary quantum mechanics. In order to fulfill the prerequisite for elementary quantum mechanics, we require that students must have taken one of the following: PHYSICS 130, CHEM 173,  MATSCI 185, or equivalent. 

3. Do I need to take the GRE?

No, you do not. It is optional. You may include the scores on the supplemental application if you wish. 

4. Is there any financial aid that coterminal applicants can apply for?

The Applied Physics Department does not have any financial aid for coterminal students. However students can contact a Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office to discuss their situation. http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/coterm/financialaid

5. When can I start?

Students may begin their coterminal quarter in the autumn, winter or spring quarters. But please keep in mind that many courses are only offered once a year and prerequisites for courses must be carefully reviewed in order to assemble a feasible coterminal preliminary program proposal. Coterminal applications for a given quarter are due four weeks before the last day of the previous quarter. Exact dates are posted on Explore Degrees each year.

Please note, if you are considering in completing your coterm in 3+1 years (3 years undergrad, 1 year coterm) rater than the standard 4+1 years, you will need to confirm that there are no scheduling conflicts among required classes.

For example, PH191 is a required class for undergrad PH majors, often taken in a student's Junior or Senior undergrad year. If a student waits to take this class until their 4th year, they will need to assure it is not offered only at the same time as a required coterm class.

6. Is there a minimum GPA for degree conferral?

Yes, the university requirement of a 3.0 GPA. 

7. Are there sample programs available?

Yes. They are available on the departmental website.

8. What are the requirements for completion of the degree?

A total of 45 units is required for the Applied and Engineering Physics Coterminal Master’s Degree

a. BREADTH (16 units)

The following four courses are required. 

2. DEPTH (9 units minimum)

Three engineering courses in a depth area. At least one must be at the 300 level and the other courses must be at the 200 level or above to provide depth in one area. To be approved by the coterminal academic advisor. 

3. LAB (3-4 units)

One laboratory or methods course from the following is required.

4. SEMINAR (3 units)

The seminar requirement can be fulfilled by either (i) taking one formal seminar course for credit each term or (ii) attending a minimum of 8 informal or formal research seminars during each of the three terms. Students who attend 8 informal research seminars must submit, a list of the seminars with a paragraph describing the content, signed by their academic advisor. Note: if you choose to submit write-ups and not take seminar units, you must still fulfill the 45 unit requirement for a coterminal master’s degree. 

5. APPROVED TECHNICAL ELECTIVES (6 units minimum that brings up the total units to 45) 

For details, see  http://www.stanford.edu/dept/app-physics/cgi-bin/aep-approved-technical-electives/

6. Other details…

• at least 36 units must be letter graded units and these must include the breadth and depth classes

• at least 36 units must be at or above the 200 level

• at least 21 units must be letter graded technical courses at the 200 level

• up to 6 units of Directed Studies in Applied Physics (APPHYS 290) or equivalent independent study course may be counted toward this requirement (Performance courses such as athletics, choir or photography are not allowed.)

• at least 30 units must be in technical areas (Research, Literature, Directed Studies and Seminar courses cannot be included among these 30 units)

9. Who should I contact for questions related to the coterminal degree?

For more information, please contact Prof. Yuri Suzuki (ysuzuki1@stanford.edu) or Ayla Akgul (ahakgul@stanford.edu).