Physics

Graduate students in Applied Physics develop their own course of study and research with the guidance and advice of faculty members in the areas of their research interests. Courses are typically selected from listings in Applied Physics, in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, and the Department of Physics.

Students are urged to participate in ongoing research as soon as possible. During the first year, a student typically will take a “Special Investigation” research course as one of the four courses in each term, to explore research areas and thesis topics.

All graduate students in Applied Physics are strongly encouraged to take the following core courses:

• Quantum Mechanics
• Electrodynamics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Methods of Mathematical Physics

There is no general qualifying examination and no foreign language requirement. Formal course work is typically limited to the first two years in residence, with an opportunity to choose from an extensive course list.