Applied Physics — General

The School of Physics offers two undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Physics and the Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics.

The degree program in applied physics may be better suited for entry into industry or government upon graduation, preparation for further professional training (medicine, law, dentistry, or business), or preparation for graduate study in some other discipline. The applied physics program differs from the traditional one in that a few courses intended primarily as preparation for graduate study in physics are replaced by courses oriented toward the applications of physics.

Each of the baccalaureate programs contains the following: a) courses needed to meet general institutional degree requirements; b) a core of technical courses intended to give a strong background in mathematics and the physical principles of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and the quantum theory that governs physical phenomena at the microscopic level of molecules, atoms, and nuclei; c) technical electives that enable the student to explore areas of his or her choice in greater depth; d) courses involving undergraduate research, and e) free electives, about fifteen percent of the total hours, which may be employed to schedule additional technical or nontechnical courses.

The considerable flexibility inherent in the physics curricula is advantageous to students who wish to work out individual programs of study. At the same time, this flexibility suggests the need for consultation with advisors so students can make the best use of elective hours and avoid scheduling difficulties that may arise in later semesters. Students may utilize their elective freedom in the physics curricula to specialize in particular areas of physics, to prepare for careers in interdisciplinary areas of science, to compose a preprofessional program, or to gain a background in other technical or nontechnical disciplines. Students should contact their academic advisor for assistance in planning programs of study with emphasis directed toward a particular objective.

Since some students who earn a degree in physics have transferred from other disciplines, the School has planned its degree programs to enable most students to transfer into physics with little or no loss of credit.

A total of 120 credit hours (exclusive of wellness) and a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in physics courses numbered 3000 and higher are requisites for the bachelor's degree in physics.

Student must have 2.0 in all PHYS classes 3000-level or higher

Pass-fail only allowed for Free Electives, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Requirements

• The non-refundable freshman application fee is $75 (international applicants: $85). Students who pay an application fee but do not submit an application will not have their fee refunded.
• Included with the Common Application and Georgia Tech Questions is one long essay and two short answer essays. The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing ability and, more importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit and better understand what you could contribute to Georgia Tech.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores
• We will only accept one (1) recommendation from your counselor and one (1) from the teacher of your choice. Any additional recommendations will not be considered with your application.
• Interview
• The GPA we consider is the one taken directly from your high school transcript. We will use a 100 point GPA, if available, and weighted, if available. If not, we’re happy to consider a 4.0 GPA or similar and/or unweighted GPA.
• If your high school does not provide a GPA or you have attended multiple high schools, we will recalculate a weighted 4.0 GPA (0.5 points added for AP, IB, Dual Enrollment & AICE courses) using core courses only.
• To help us better understand your high school and its curriculum, your counselor will submit a School Report form and/or School Profile with your transcript.
• The University System of Georgia requires minimum academic courses of all first time students, though most applicants exceed those in at least one area. USG requirements include:
  • English - 4 Units
  • Math - 4 Units
  • Science - 4 Units
  • Social Science - 3 Units
  • Foreign Language - 2 Units

Scholarships

• President's Scholarship Program