Theoretical and experimental research at Rutgers-Newark primarily is in atomic and quantum physics, and supported by federal and industrial grants. The experimental facilities include laboratories dedicated to laser-based isotope spectroscopy, isotope analysis, UV light sources, surface science, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The theory group is interested in nonperturbative methods of quantum field theory and studies Casimir and related macroscopic quantum effects. It collaborates with the experimental groups.
Our graduate program in applied physics is in collaboration with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The facilities there include a Solar and Terrestrial Research Center, an Electronic Imaging Center, a Microelectronics Fabrication Center, as well as laboratories dedicated to materials research, biophysics, teraherz imaging and spectroscopy, and photonics.
Interdisciplinary applied physics research is carried out in collaboration with the chemistry, earth and environmental science, and biology departments. We have extensive cooperative research with the National Solar Observatory, MIT, U.S. Army and Naval Research Laboratories, and other industrial and federal research centers.
Joint M.S. Program in Applied Physics
The joint Rutgers-Newark/NJIT master of science (M.S.) degree in applied physics requires 30 credits above the 600 level. Students must take 24 credits of coursework. Of the 24 credits, 18 must be in physics or related areas (including mathematical physics or applied mathematics), and the remaining 6 credits are electives. Four graduate physics courses (26:755:611 Advanced Classical Mechanics, 26:755:621 Classical Electrodynamics I, 26:755:631 Quantum Mechanics I, and 26:755:641 Statistical Mechanics) are required.
Thesis research for 6 credits completes the master's program. Alternatively, with the approval of the student's adviser, a 3-credit project plus an additional 3-credit course may replace the 6-credit thesis requirement.
Joint Ph.D. Program in Applied Physics
For entering students with bachelor of science (B.S.) or bachelor of arts (B.A.) degrees, the joint Rutgers-Newark/NJIT doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in applied physics requires 75 credits above the 600 level. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 is required in coursework. Students take 39 credits in courses and earn the remaining 36 credits they need in dissertation research. Coursework includes 24 credits in physics courses (including mathematical physics or applied mathematics) and 15 credits in electives.
Among the 24 credits of physics courses, six courses are mandatory: 26:755:611 Advanced Classical Mechanics, 26:755:621 Classical Electrodynamics I, 26:755:631 Quantum Mechanics I, 26:755:641 Statistical Mechanics, 26:755:721 Classical Electrodynamics II, and 26:755:731 Quantum Mechanics II. At least 12 credits offered for the degree must be at or above the 700 level. Coursework may include graduate courses in electrical engineering, bioscience, chemistry, or other areas, depending upon the student's field of research. Elective courses may also be taken at Rutgers-New Brunswick.
For entering students with M.S. or master of arts (M.A.) degrees, the joint Ph.D. degree in applied physics requires 54 credits above the 600 level. Coursework comprises 18 credits, and 36 credits are in dissertation research. Coursework includes 9 credits in physics courses (including mathematical physics or applied mathematics), and the remaining 9 credits are taken in electives. At least 12 credits must be at or above the 700 level. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 is required in coursework, which may include graduate courses in electrical engineering, bioscience, chemistry, or other areas, depending on the student's research interest.
Qualifying examinations, both written and oral, are required for the Ph.D. These examinations, which are given in June and July of each academic year, must be taken by the end of the first year.
The Ph.D. dissertation will be evaluated by a committee consisting of the candidate's academic adviser and four other faculty members. It takes from three to six years for full-time students and four to eight years for part-time students to complete the program.
