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Applied Physics MS, PhD Programs

Applied physics bridges the gap between physics, engineering, and other sciences. While engineers solve well-defined problems, applied physicists use physical principles to investigate questions that cross scientific and engineering boundaries. 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. Are you ready?

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Who is This Program For?

The MS and PhD may interest students who want advanced physics study that connects to scientific or engineering questions. It can be a fit if you want to dive deeper into physical principles in materials, optics, atmospheric science, or related areas; connect experimental or computational physics with another discipline; and pursue a focused inquiry informed by fundamental physics.

What You'll Study

Take courses in graduate-level physics alongside approved work in related scientific and engineering fields. Popular focus areas include nanoscale condensed matter, materials science, atmospheric physics, optics, photonics, optoelectronics, plasmonics, and biomedical science. Whether you're pursuing a master's or doctorate in applied physics, you can create a customized program of study.

Where You'll Apply Your Knowledge and Skills

With this master's degree, you can apply physical models and measurements to characterizing materials, analyzing light-based technologies, investigating atmospheric behavior, or examining electronic and nanoscale systems. These approaches can support research and technical development in in university and national research laboratories, measurement institutes, and technology-development groups. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Argonne National Laboratory use applied physics and measurement on materials, advanced instruments, and other technically demanding questions.

Delivery Options
- Accelerated: MS
- On-Campus: MS, PhD

Applied Physics Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the applied physics program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Applied Physics is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

PhD Requirements: Applied Physics

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

MS, Applied Physics: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Applied Physics: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Applied Physics: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate Admissions. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Accelerated MS, Applied Physics

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

Additional Accelerated Master's Program Details

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about applied physics at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

Contact

Graduate Director

Ranjit Pati

Program Coordinator

Jae Jeong Lee

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your applied physics MS or PhD. Sample areas include:

Astrophysics
Atmospheric Physics
Photonics and Quantum Optics
Materials Physics-Experimental

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Using a holistic approach, our graduate admissions team reviews applications on an individual and ongoing basis. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, but you will need to upload them later.

Graduate Admissions Process

Applying to your graduate program is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. Please note that international applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps.

Graduate Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to your program as either a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program-Specific Requirements

Program Specific

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 scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 4.5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 88 iBT
IELTS: Required Minimum Overall Band Score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum of 4.5 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

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Applied Physics
Physics

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. We offer over 125 graduate certificates, master's degrees, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Learn From and Work With

Our department is home to many active research faculty, and we have strong interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments and institutes including Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Where You'll Study and Do Research

The Physics department boasts exceptional research labs and facilities. Access 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.

Faculty Spotlight

Petra Huentemeyer

Petra Huentemeyer

Professor, Physics

"We are shedding light on dark matter and other unsolved puzzles of our Universe."

Where and how are cosmic rays produced and accelerated to their states of high energy? The study of gamma rays provides a crucial piece of the puzzle. By measuring energy spectra, source morphologies, and spatial correlation of source wavelengths, we are trying to solve the century-old puzzle of the origin of galactic cosmic rays.

Program Faculty