Overview
NYU Tandon applied physicists explore and master the fundamental laws of nature to pioneer next-generation technologies. In the B.S. in Applied Physics program, you will bridge the gap between pure theoretical science and practical engineering applications. You will learn to investigate phenomena from subatomic particles to macroscopic optical, electronic, and quantum systems, gaining hands-on laboratory expertise and rigorous mathematical training. Studying physics alongside engineers provides a foundation for exploring technology, pursuing graduate study, and preparing for careers that draw on quantitative problem-solving.
Prerequisites & Academic Preparation
Applicants must graduate from an accredited secondary school (or hold an approved equivalent) with strong academic preparation in high school mathematics and the natural sciences. Successful candidates typically complete:
- 4 years of English with emphasis on writing
- 4 years of mathematics (including precalculus; calculus is strongly recommended)
- 3-4 years of laboratory science (including physics and chemistry)
- 3-4 years of history/social sciences
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Official High School Transcripts / Academic Records
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) (Optional)
- Resume / Extracurricular Activities Summary
- Personal Essay / Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- English Language Proficiency Testing (where applicable)
- Application fee
Tuition for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters varies for NYU students based on their major or program, the school or college they are matriculated in, their admit term and the number of credit hours taken.
Affordability and financial aid support are a University-wide priority. We are committed to keeping education accessible through merit- and need-based financial aid, internal and external scholarships, appeal support, global study funding, and specialized awards.
Explore our Financial Aid and Scholarships page to learn more about these opportunities.
Prospective Students
For questions about the undergraduate application process, application status, or campus visits:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
New York University
admissions@nyu.edu
212-998-4500
Accepted and Enrolled Students
For questions regarding degree requirements, department coursework, or research opportunities:
Department of Applied Physics
NYU Tandon School of Engineering
5 MetroTech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11201
applied.physics@nyu.edu
646-997-3072
For academic advisement and department leadership:
Professor John Di Bartolo
Department Chair, Applied Physics
john.dibartolo@nyu.edu
646-997-3614
At a Glance
#32
Best Physics Graduate Programs (NYU) in the Nation
U.S. News & World Report
#42
Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
U.S. News & World Report
Dual Degree Options
In electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemistry
Market Outlook
The NYC Advantage
NYU Tandon applied physics students have an unmatched vantage point from the center of New York City’s thriving technology, research, and scientific corridors. Our Brooklyn location and the wider metropolitan area place you minutes from leading research institutions, national laboratories, quantum computing hubs, and world-class photonics companies. From inter-school research collaborations with the NYU Quantum Institute to NYU vertically integrated projects to summer fellowships, you will have front-row access to high-impact scientific networks that propel you into graduate research or competitive industry roles.
Curriculum
You must complete 128 credits, as defined below, to graduate from the School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics. The Department of Applied Physics also offers a Minor in Applied Physics.
The sample plan of study provides guidance to students as to how they would normally be expected to complete the degree requirements. Students should be sure to consult their advisor before selecting courses for a particular semester as prerequisites and course offering patterns are the primary considerations affecting registration.
| Requirement Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Core Physics Requirements | 43 |
| Additional Major Requirements | 37 |
| Physics and Mathematics Electives | 20 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences Electives | 16 |
| STEM & Free Electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 128 |
Physics and Math Electives
You should select 5 physics elective courses totaling at least 16 credits, and at least 4 credits of math.
Electives in the Humanities and Social Sciences
You must take 16 elective credits in the humanities and social sciences, preferably with EXPOS-UA 2 as a prerequisite. To gain some breadth and depth of knowledge, it is required that you take courses in at least two disciplines and at least one course at an advanced level.
STEM & Free Electives, Project and Independent Study
You should take 18 credits of independent study, STEM and free electives. It is strongly recommended that you use 6 of these credits toward a senior project or thesis topic. The program adviser must approve electives selected from other disciplines.
Meet our Faculty and Students
Meet John Di Bartolo
Providing students with hands-on experience in quantum programming
Student Research
Experiential Learning Center
Study Abroad
Mathematics and Physics, B.S.
Mathematics, B.S.
BS/MS Track
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, students must complete 128 credits to qualify for graduation, including 36 credits in core physics, 37 credits in required math and science foundations, 20 credits in physics and math electives, 16 credits in humanities and social sciences, and 18 credits in STEM/free electives and senior project study.
The B.S. in Applied Physics is an on-campus undergraduate degree designed for traditional full-time study, typically completed over 8 semesters (4 years).
- Early Decision I: November 1
- Early Decision II: January 1
- Regular Decision: January 5
- Online application
- Official High School Transcripts / Academic Records
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) (Optional)
- Resume / Extracurricular Activities Summary
- Personal Essay / Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- English Language Proficiency Testing (where applicable)
- Application fee
Applied Physics students work in modern, research-grade experimental facilities across the Department of Applied Physics and NYU Tandon, including the Junior and Senior Physics Laboratories, the Nanofabrication Cleanroom, the NYU MakerSpace, specialized laser and spectroscopy facilities, and advanced computational physics labs.
The Applied Physics B.S. is deliberately structured with flexible STEM electives, making it a natural launchpad for interdisciplinary fields such as electrical engineering, materials science, data science, and quantum computing.
With a strong foundation in physics, our graduates pursue a versatile array of advanced academic programs and professional careers across sectors:
- Graduate & Professional Studies: Many of our students continue their academic training at the master’s level and beyond in physics, engineering, and allied technical disciplines.
- Non-Scientific & Interdisciplinary Fields: Leveraging their analytical rigor, quantitative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, graduates successfully enter diverse professions including law, scientific and technical writing, finance, and business management.
- Physics-Driven Industries: Many alumni build direct careers within specialized areas that rely heavily on physical principles, securing technical, analytical, and leadership roles across private industry, government laboratories and agencies, and secondary or higher education.