Program Overview

---

Introduction to Applied Physics

Applied physics bridges the gap between physics, engineering, and other sciences. While engineers solve well-defined problems, applied physicists focus on applying physics interdisciplinarily. At Michigan Technological University, the applied physics program targets areas such as nanoscale condensed matter, materials science, atmospheric physics, optics/photonics, optoelectronics, plasmonics, and biomedical science.

State-Of-The-Art Laboratory Facilities

The physics department boasts exceptional research labs and facilities. A recent $2.5 million renovation provided major upgrades in physics classroom technology, and a new $700,000 gift is enabling a major upgrade to physics research facilities. Physics hosts seven labs, ranging from computer labs with state-of-the-art software packages to atomic and molecular laser spectroscopy labs. Researchers also have access to other departments research labs, including scanning electron microscopy labs and other advanced characterization and fabrication facilities.

PhD Versus MS

The PhD program (regarded as the terminal degree within the field) consists of substantial graduate-level coursework combined with original research leading to significant contributions to the field of physics through publications in peer-reviewed journals. An MS in physics may be obtained while in pursuit of the PhD.

Accelerated MS Versus MS

An accelerated master's degree program is a way for students to begin work toward a master's degree while finishing their bachelor's, allowing completion with only one additional year of study. For an accelerated master's, you can double count 9 credit hours toward both your master's and bachelor's degrees. Undergraduate students may apply to the program after they achieve junior status. Those who graduated in Fall 2022 or later can apply up until six semesters (including summer) after they are awarded their bachelor's degrees.

Degree Requirements

Credit requirements, degree options, time limits, examinations, and other requirements vary by degree:

• PhD Requirements, Applied Physics:
  • Complete all coursework and research credits
  • Pass Qualifying Examination
  • Pass Research Proposal Examination
  • Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
  • Pass Final Oral Defense
• MS, Applied Physics: Thesis Option:
  • Coursework (minimum) - 20 Credits
  • Thesis research - 6-10 Credits
  • Total (minimum) - 30 Credits
• MS, Applied Physics: Report Option:
  • Coursework (minimum) - 24 Credits
  • Report - 2-6 Credits
  • Total (minimum) - 30 Credits
• MS, Applied Physics: Coursework Option:
  • A minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework
• Accelerated MS, Applied Physics:
  • A minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework

Qualifying Exam

Students accepted into the Applied Physics PhD program must pass a Qualifying (Comprehensive) Examination, which is composed of a physics component and an application component.

Core Courses

Certain courses are considered foundational for all graduate students (both MS or PhD) in physics, regardless of research specialty. Course work has been selected to provide a general physics education and a foundation for future study and a career in engineering and the sciences.

• PH 5010 - Graduate Journal Club
• PH 5110 - Classical Mechanics
• PH 5210 - Electrodynamics I
• PH 5310 - Statistical Mechanics
• PH 5320 - Mathematical Physics
• PH 5410 - Quantum Mechanics I

Electives

To take advantage of Michigan Techs breadth and depth of engineering and scientific areas of specialty, additional courses may be chosen from the list of application elective course list, as approved by the students advisory committee.

Atmospheric Physics

• ATM 5512 - Applied Boundary Layer Meteorology
• ATM 5515 - Atmospheric Chemistry
• ATM 5519 - Atmospheric Biogeochemistry
• ATM 5640 - Atmospheric Physics
• ATM 5680 - Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
• CEE 4501 - Environmental Engineering Chemical Processes
• CEE 4504 - Air Quality Engineering and Science
• FW 5340 - Population Genetics and Applied Forest Genetics
• GE 4250 - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

Biophysics

• BE 5250 - Biomedical Optics
• BL 5035 - Bioimaging
• BL 5360 - Special Topics in Biochemistry
• BL 5370 - Special Topics in Microbiology
• BMB 6020 - Advanced Molecular Biology
• PH 4999 - Special Topics in Physics

Photonics

• BE 5250 - Biomedical Optics
• EE 5410 - Engineering Electromagnetics
• EE 5490 - Solar Photovoltaic Science and Engineering
• EE 5526 - Microwave Engineering
• EE 5528 - Antenna Engineering
• PH 4292 - Light and Photonic Materials
• PH 5320 - Mathematical Physics
• PH 5410 - Quantum Mechanics I
• PH 5510 - Theory of Solids

Physics at Nanoscale

• EE 5460 - Solid State Devices
• EE 5471 - Microfabrication Laboratory
• ME 5130 - Nanoscale Science and Technology
• MSE 6200 - Advanced Topics in Materials Characterization
• PH 4390 - Computational Methods in Physics
• PH 4510 - Introduction to Solid State Physics
• PH 5395 - Computer Simulation in Physics
• PH 5510 - Theory of Solids
• PH 5520 - Materials Physics
• PH 5530 - Selected Topics in Nanoscale Science and Technology

Suggested Course Schedules - Accelerated Master's

Students in the accelerated master's program can choose the coursework, report, or thesis option. Suggested schedules for each option are available.

Careers in Applied Physics

Applied physicists are well suited to work in any career that requires strong mathematical, experimental, and/or theoretical skills. The applied physics program provides excellent flexibility enabling majors to work in academia, industry, law, and government.

Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach.

Graduate School

• Application Requirements
• Admissions Types
• Graduate Application
• Student Statements
• Official Transcripts

Program Specific

• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
• GRE not required
• No Additional Documents Accepted

International Students

• TOEFL: Recommended Score of at least 88 iBT
• IELTS: Recommended Score of 6.5 overall Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadlines

• Fall Semester: March 1, January 15 for international applicants
• Spring Semester: October 1, September 1 for international applicants
• Summer Semester: Please contact the Graduate Program Director