Stephen F. Austin State University
Master of Natural and Applied Science
Nacogdoches, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 32,389 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* $32,389 for non-resident; $23,829 for international student with scholarship (resident tuition rate)
Key Summary
SFA’s Master of Science in Natural and Applied Science program offers four concentrations: chemistry, geology, mathematics and physics. Students pursuing a Master of Science in natural and applied science with an emphasis in chemistry have a nonthesis option, preparing them for a variety of careers in the field.
Chemistry
Students with an MS in natural and applied science with an emphasis in chemistry can pursue careers in teaching, industry or commercial settings. Choosing the thesis option ensures preparedness for continued studies in a doctoral program. Students pursuing a nonthesis option prepare them for a variety of careers in the field.
Geology
Students pursuing an MS in natural science with a concentration in geology have a thesis or a non-thesis option. In this interdisciplinary program, students have access to research areas and advanced laboratories to supplement their learning.
Mathematics
This interdisciplinary degree program can be completed with a thesis or non-thesis option. Students in this flexible, customizable degree plan will work closely with graduate advisors to design a unique degree plan that aligns with their interests and career goals.
Physics
Students choose from either a thesis or non-thesis option. The student will take 18 hours in physics providing a firm foundation in the principles of classical and quantum physics and their application in atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid-state physics. The remaining hours can be used for research and to study tertiary disciplines, which offers a truly unique graduate degree that can be tailored to meet your future needs.
We know the only thing more stressful than getting into a university is figuring out how to pay for it. The Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy has scholarships available to students wishing to study at SFA.
Along with scholarship opportunities offered through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, we are proud to offer our students the following scholarships through the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy.
- Physics and Engineering Freshman Scholarship
- STEM scholarship
- University Regents Scholarship – Physics, Engineering and Astronomy
Getting Started: financial aid
Whether you’re applying for a scholarship, or interested in a grant, loan, or work-study program, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and make sure you meet certain academic and financial requirements. Don’t worry, financial aid isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and we’re here to help you before, during and after the application process.
The Office of International Programs Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to students who will contribute to the increased diversity for international representation at SFA. All applicants must show financial need and educational achievement to be awarded the scholarship. Students who receive the $1,000 OIP Scholarship are eligible for Texas resident tuition rates, which cost approximately $4,500 less per semester.
Minimum GPA requirements
- Undergraduate students: 2.75 GPA
- Graduate students: 3.25 GPA
In addition to demonstrating financial need and academic excellence, students must satisfy at least two of the following:
- A student whose native language is not English.
- A student who has lived in a country other than the United States for a period of five years or more.
- A student who has foreign or dual citizenship recognized by the foreign country and not by the United States.
Read the OIP Scholarship guidelines on our school website prior to applying. Preference will be given to degree-seeking and full-time students.
Timeline:
- Applications are due April 30; decisions are announced after May 1.
- Award Dates: Scholarship awards are effective from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 of the following year.
Re-application: Students who continue to meet the eligibility criteria may reapply for this scholarship each year.
Applying for the OIP Scholarship
Submit your completed OIP Scholarship application (and any required documents noted) through email. The Office of International Programs will determine the evaluations and awarding of this scholarship.
The department offers a Master of Science in Natural Science with a concentration in physics. Students choose from either a 30 credit hour thesis or 36 credit hour non-thesis option. The student will take 18 hours in physics providing a firm foundation in the principles of classical and quantum physics and their application in atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid-state physics. The remaining hours can be used for research and to study tertiary disciplines, which offers a truly unique graduate degree that can be tailored to meet your future needs.
If the years you spent earning your undergrad degree weren’t enough to satisfy your curiosity for knowledge, then it’s time to explore the next stage of your journey at SFA.
Our graduate program helps students who wish to enter into a career in physics or who wish to continue on to earn their PhD. Students have access to our research facilities to help guide their studies such as, among other things, a cryogenics laboratory, atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope and high vacuum equipment, an observatory with five research-grade telescopes, and an environmental sensing and quantum optics laboratory with radiometric instruments and a variety of lasers.