M.S. in Applied Physics
The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) has
licensed a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Applied Physics at
Southern Connecticut State University. This new graduate program will
promote workforce development in Connecticut by providing an educational
pathway for individuals seeking 
applied research and management
positions in the state's high-tech industries, while providing a source
of trained professionals for technology employers.
The M.S. program in Applied Physics has two focus areas -- materials science/nanotechnology and optics/optical instrumentation -- intended to develop the state's workforce in the established optics industry, as well as in the emerging nanotechnology sector. The program will begin in fall 2012 and be licensed through Dec. 31, 2014.
The M.S. in Applied Physics program was initially developed in consultation with an industrial advisory committee that will continue to guide the program as it matures. Companies represented on the Advisory Board include Smiths Detection, Phonon Corp., Nights Inc., Sikorsky and Zygo Corp.
The Department of Physics at SCSU has a good working relationship with the state's businesses and the department's existing collaboration with Yale University creates a synergy with the new M.S. in Applied Physics program. The National Science Foundation recently awarded a $13 million grant to Yale University and SCSU to continue a Center of Excellence for Materials Research and Innovation also known as a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). Professor Christine Broadbridge is the leader of these activities at SCSU.
Professor Elliott Horch is the Graduate Program Coordinator for the Applied Physics program.
On November 7th, 2012, the program was formally recognized as a Professional Science Masters Program.
