Physics

Applied Physics Bachelor's of Science Degree

Expand the Understanding of Our Universe

Join a vibrant community of scholars to test experimental theories, explore new phenomena, and apply the laws of physics to the world around you. Learn how to use mathematical tools to make predictions about the physical world in the supportive environment of an R1 flagship technological university where STEM is infused in everything we do.  

Breakthrough ideas and technologies make the world better. With a bachelor's of science degree in applied physics from Michigan Tech, you'll learn the fundamental laws of the physical universe so you can find those breakthroughs. You'll be walking in the footsteps of renowned and caring faculty who are part of the world community of physicists working to solve some of humankind's biggest questions.

At Tech, you'll thrive in an environment where you connect physics, engineering, computing, and mathematical modeling to solve industry challenges. You'll acquire the specialized knowledge, quantitative skills, and research experience to advance fields including astrophysics, communication, computational mathematics, material science, medicine, nanotechnology, and planetary science. You'll work with the latest high-tech equipment and prepare yourself for higher study or an in-demand career that matters.

Get the educational momentum you need to succeed in this highly competitive field. Huskies learn by doing. We emphasize challenging lab work and rewarding research. You'll learn in-demand skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. With a strong, quantitative education in physical sciences, you'll have the framework needed to excel in whatever comes next—whether you've got your sights set on advanced graduate work or a career in industry.

Customize Your Degree

The bachelor's of science in applied physics at Michigan Tech lets you build your own unique degree program to start you on your post-undergraduate pathway. Prior to your third year, you'll work one-on-one with your academic advisor to identify your application interest. This is usually an interdisciplinary topic where you can apply your physics knowledge, or where you can apply knowledge in that area to physics. Together you'll add the courses (12 credits) you need to your academic plan, allowing you to delve deeper into your interest area.

Want to start a business using your physics knowledge? Choose entrepreneurship as your application interest. Interested in physical chemistry? Add chemistry courses. Computational math or statistics your thing? You'll find plenty of class options in our mathematics department. Looking to do more with nanotechnology and materials? Take coursework in the Michigan Tech College of Engineering.

You can explore application interests in:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Astrophysics
  • Computational Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Enterprise
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Planetary Science
  • Statistics
  • And more!

There's no limit to what you can do. If you want to explore other options, you can talk with an academic advisor to learn more.

  • No. 3
    best college in Michigan (Niche, 2025)
  • 6:1
    student-to-faculty ratio
  • 100%
    of physics students conduct undergraduate research

Tomorrow Needs Talented Applied Physicists

Demand is high for individuals with a strong, quantitative education in physics, including high-level laboratory experience from undergraduate research. A Bachelor of Science in applied physics prepares you for a successful career. You'll graduate thoroughly prepared to find success in graduate school in physics or another STEM field, law or medical school, research labs, or a career in industries such as aeronautics, electronics, engineering, finance, or transportation.

Career Opportunities for Applied Physics Majors

Physics jobs are seeing 5% growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your future career options are unlimited with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics. Career opportunities include:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Applications Developer
  • Business Analyst
  • Clinical Technologist
  • Computer Animation Specialist
  • Consultant
  • Data Analyst
  • Dentist
  • Materials Engineer
  • Medical Physicist
  • Programmer
  • Program Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Patent Attorney
  • Physician
  • Project Engineer
  • Research Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Marine/Oceanographic Scientist
  • Scientific and Computational Manager
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Technical Writer
  • Water Engineer
  • Veterinarian

Companies Hiring Michigan Tech Applied Physics Majors

The growing list of companies hiring Michigan Tech applied physics majors includes:

  • ArcelorMittal
  • Argonne National Lab Chicago
  • Dow Corning
  • Laurium Labs
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Lab
  • Milwaukee Tool
  • Nova Measuring Systems
  • Perceptron
  • Seagate
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center

Graduate Schools Accepting Michigan Tech Applied Physics Majors Include

The growing list of colleges and universities accepting applied physics majors includes:

  • Michigan State University
  • Naval Surface Warfare Center
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Oregon Health and Science University
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Colorado-Boulder
  • University of Idaho
  • University of Minnesota Duluth
  • University of Nebraska
  • Texas A&M University

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying applied physics at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Watch Physics at Michigan Tech video
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"It's nice being able to go talk to your professor directly, like right after class. Tell him: I missed this part or really didn't understand this part. Is there another way you can put it that will help me?"Conner Hawry '23, BS Applied Physics

Study Physics at a Technological University

Gain foundational knowledge and understand the behavior of matter and energy. Develop analytical and quantitative skills required to succeed in graduate school or the job market.

  • Get personalized attention: With an average incoming class of 20 physics majors, your professors know you individually and understand your interests and needs. You receive the 1:1 guidance you need in a timely fashion.
  • Applied learning: Design your own application area and explore interdisciplinary connections. Recent application areas include computational mathematics, planetary science, aerospace engineering, and nanotechnology. Or apply your interest in physics to practical problems with the Enterprise Program—teams of undergraduate students working on real-world products and research for industry.
  • Customize your physics education: Make yourself more marketable in the eyes of prospective employers. Applied Physics pairs well with mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, and engineering majors. You can add one of two physics minors in astrophysics or nanoscale physics to further your specialization. Or diversify your degree with any of the other 80+ minors offered at Michigan Tech.
  • Get paid for summer research: A commitment to undergraduate research experience gives our students an edge. As soon as the summer after your first year, join one of manyresearch groups and turn your growing knowledge into practical experience under the guidance of a faculty member in our state-of-the-art labs.
  • Physics study abroad: Visit international research labs like CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider, the most powerful particle accelerator ever built.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Undergraduate Majors in Physics

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

"I've always wanted to be a scientist. And I felt that, to answer the big questions about the universe which I always wanted to answer, the most realistic way to do that was to go into physics."Cameron Shock '16 '19 '23, BS, MS, PhD, Applied Physics