Physics, data, and computation are increasingly inseparable. Lehigh’s interdisciplinary Physics and Data Science programs are offered together with the Mathematics Department and combine advanced physics with statistics, machine learning, scientific computing, and data-driven discovery.
Students can pursue a full Master of Science degree, add a focused Graduate Certificate to an existing graduate program, or begin approved graduate coursework as a Lehigh undergraduate through an accelerated 4+1 pathway.
Scroll down to learn about these three ways to study Physics and Data Science.
M.S. in Physics and Data Science (30–36 credits)
The Master of Science in Physics and Data Science is an interdisciplinary program that merges physics with modern data science methods, with an emphasis on computation and foundational concepts in statistics and probability. It is designed to cultivate professionals capable of leveraging data-driven methods and computational tools to solve complex physical and engineering problems. The program prepares graduates for data-intensive careers in industry, government laboratories, and academia, as well as for doctoral study.
Through a flexible curriculum, graduates will acquire proficiency in chosen areas of physics (such as quantum mechanics, statistical physics, biophysics), mathematical methods, machine learning, and computational modeling. Three tracks are available: a research-focused option, a master’s thesis option on a faculty-supervised project, and a capstone project option, completed through a professional capstone experience.
Career and Academic Pathways
- Computational physics and scientific modeling
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Quantum technologies and quantum information
- Materials informatics and computational materials science
- Biophysics and analysis of biological data
- Data analytics and scientific software
- High-performance computing
- Government and national laboratories
- Doctoral study in physics, data science, or a related discipline
M.S. Curriculum
The program includes three nine-credit academic components followed by a research, thesis, or capstone experience. Approved electives allow students to develop additional expertise in physics, statistics, machine learning, computer science, or scientific computing.
Physics Core — 9 Credits
Three graduate-level physics core courses. Recommended courses include:
- PHY 428 — Methods of Mathematical Physics
- PHY 423 — Quantum Mechanics I
- PHY 442 — Statistical Mechanics
Data Science and Statistics — 9 Credits
Three graduate-level courses (3 credits each) in Data Science & Statistics. Recommended courses include:
- MATH 309 — Probability with Applications and Simulations
- STAT 410 — Random Processes and Applications
- STAT 438 — Statistical Models in Data Science
Applied Computation — 9 Credits
Three graduate-level courses (3 credits each) covering application of Computation and Data Science in Physics. Recommended courses include:
- PHY 380 — Introduction to Computational Physics
- PHY 481 — Machine Learning in Physics (shared course with PHY 381)
- Course from approved electives, or research focusing on applications of data science to physics problems. See list of sample electives at the end of this page.
Research, Thesis, or Capstone — 3–6 Credits
One option among:
- Faculty-supervised research through PHY 491/492 or MATH 374
- Master’s thesis through PHY 490
- Capstone project through PHY 493
Students can explore potential topics and identify faculty mentors on our Research Areas and Faculty Graduate Advisors page.
Credit-level requirement: Each approved program of study must total at least 30 credits and satisfy Lehigh’s general master’s degree requirements, including at least 18 credits at the 400 level.
Sample Two-Year M.S. Schedule
Semester | Sample courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Year 1, Fall | PHY 428, PHY 423, MATH 309 | 9 |
Year 1, Spring | PHY 442, PHY 380, STAT 438 | 9 |
Year 2, Fall | PHY 481, STAT 410, approved elective or research course | 9 |
Year 2, Spring | Research project, thesis, or capstone; optional elective | 3–9 |
M.S. Admission Requirements
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field and demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and programming, including linear algebra, calculus, probability, and experience in a general-purpose language such as Python, C++, or Julia. The GRE is optional.
International applicants must satisfy the current English-language proficiency requirements of Lehigh University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Ready to Apply?
Applications for Fall admission are due January 15.
Application Information Contact Physics
Graduate Certificate in Physics and Data Science (12 credits)
The Graduate Certificate Program in Physics and Data Science provides focused, interdisciplinary training at the intersection of physics, data science, and computational analytics. This program equips student participants with computational and statistical skills essential for analyzing complex physical systems and large scientific datasets. It strengthens preparation for data-intensive roles in academia, government laboratories, and industry. Students complete four approved graduate courses totaling 12 credits, including coursework in both physics and mathematics or statistics.
The program offers focused training for students who want to add modern computational, statistical, and data-driven methods to their primary graduate program without completing a second degree. The certificate can typically be completed within one year alongside an existing master’s or doctoral program in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, and related fields. Prospective stand-alone or non-degree students should contact the College of Arts and Sciences to confirm availability and admission procedures.
Program Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must complete four approved graduate-level courses (12 credits total), including two courses from Physics and two courses from Mathematics or Statistics drawn from the approved Masters in Physics and Data Science course list. At least three courses must be chosen from the M.S. in Physics and Data Science core list.
All course selections must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and the certificate coordinator to ensure an appropriate balance between physics foundations and data science applications and adjusted based on prior coursework or research focus.
A minimum grade of B- (2.7) is required in each course to qualify for certificate credit.
Sample One-Year Certificate Plan
Semester | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Fall | MATH 309 — Probability with Applications and Simulations | 6 |
Spring | PHY 380 — Introduction to Computational Physics | 6 |
Learning Outcomes
- Apply machine-learning and statistical tools to physical datasets
- Develop computational models of physical systems
- Integrate probabilistic reasoning and data-driven modeling into research workflows
- Communicate quantitative results effectively in interdisciplinary settings
How to Add the Certificate
- Discuss the certificate with your academic adviser and the Certificate coordinator, currently: Prof. Dimitrios Vavylonis.
- Develop an approved four-course plan satisfying the distribution and 400-level requirements.
- Complete the College of Arts and Sciences Certificate Program Form.
Certificate Program Form Certificate Admissions Information Contact CAS Graduate Programs
Accelerated 4+1 Pathway for Lehigh Undergraduates (Up to 12 reserved credits)
Eligible Lehigh undergraduates may begin approved graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree and reserve up to 12 credits toward the M.S. in Physics and Data Science. With careful academic planning, this may reduce the coursework remaining after graduation and make completion of the master’s degree in approximately one additional year.
The accelerated pathway is not automatic. Courses must be approved in advance, reserved credits cannot also satisfy bachelor’s degree requirements, and students must apply formally and be admitted to the M.S. program.
4+1 Requirements at a Glance
Who may participate | Eligible current Lehigh undergraduates, subject to program and College approval |
|---|---|
Academic standing | A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 under current University guidelines |
Reserved credits | Up to 12 credits taken while enrolled as an undergraduate |
Eligible courses | Approved 300- or 400-level courses beyond all bachelor’s degree requirements |
Minimum grade | B− or better in each course reserved for the graduate degree |
400-level registration | Requires the applicable instructor, adviser, program, and College approvals |
Graduate admission | A separate graduate application and formal admission are required |
Possible Courses to Complete as an Undergraduate
Depending on a student’s major, preparation, remaining undergraduate requirements, course availability, and registration approvals, possible courses to discuss with the undergraduate and graduate advisers include:
Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
PHY 380 | Introduction to Computational Physics | 3 |
PHY 381 / PHY 481 | Machine Learning in Physics (shared undergraduate/graduate identifiers) | 3 |
MATH 309 | Probability with Applications and Simulations | 3 |
MATH 310 / STAT 410 | Random Processes and Applications | 3–4 |
STAT 438 | Statistical Models in Data Science | 3 |
These are examples rather than an automatic 4+1 package. A student considering the accelerated pathway should confirm the appropriate registration number before enrolling. A course can be reserved for the master’s degree only when it is not also used to satisfy a bachelor’s degree requirement and when all required approvals have been obtained.
How to Get Started
- Plan early. Meet with your undergraduate adviser and the Physics graduate program before selecting courses. Planning during the sophomore or junior year is strongly recommended.
- Identify eligible courses. Determine which courses will be beyond all requirements of the bachelor’s degree.
- Request course permission. Complete the applicable petition process before enrolling in graduate-level coursework.
- Reserve the credits. Submit the Undergraduate Petition to Reserve Courses for Graduate Degree with the required approvals.
- Apply to the M.S. Submit the College of Arts and Sciences graduate application during the final undergraduate year.
- Complete the graduate requirements. After receiving the bachelor’s degree, enroll as a graduate student and complete the remaining approved program of study.
Registrar Forms Graduate-Course Guidelines Graduate Credit-Reservation Policy Lehigh 4+1 Information
Interested in an accelerated route to the traditional M.S. in Physics? The same general University credit-reservation rules may also permit an accelerated path to the Physics M.S. Because its required courses differ from those of the Physics and Data Science M.S., students should develop a separate plan with the Physics graduate program before registering for or reserving courses.
List of Selected Elective and Substitute Courses for Physics and Data Science
- PHY 363 Physics of Solids
- PHY 364 Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics
- PHY 369 Quantum Mechanics II
- PHY 382 Physics of Cells
- PHY 368 Soft Matter Physics
- PHY 420 Mechanics
- PHY 421Electricity & Magnetism
- PHY 424 Quantum Mechanics II
- STAT 412 Advanced Applied Statistics
- STAT 434 Mathematical Statistics
- STAT 439 Time Series and Forecasting
- STAT 465 Statistical Machine Learning
- BIOS 474 Computational, Molecular Modeling and Simulation
- CSE 326 Fundamentals of Machine Learning
- CSE 449 Big Data Analytics
- CSE 475 Principles and Practice of Parallel Computing
- DSCI 310 Introduction to Data Science
- DSCI 311 Optimization and Mathematical Foundations for Data Science
- DSCI 411Data Management for Big Data
- ISE 407 Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing
Questions and Next Steps
Prospective M.S. students, current Lehigh graduate students interested in the certificate, and undergraduates considering the accelerated 4+1 pathway are encouraged to contact the Physics Department before finalizing an academic plan.
Graduate Application Information
Course offerings, prerequisites, program requirements, and application procedures are subject to change. Students should consult the current Lehigh University Catalog and obtain all required academic approvals when developing a program of study.
Physics Course Catalog Mathematics Course Catalog Statistics Course Catalog