Cornell University Registrar

Graduate Field

Applied Physics

Program Description

The Applied Physics program combines a core physics curriculum with research and study in areas that also includes the application of physics to the broader scientific and engineering communities. Students in applied physics may pursue research in any one of several broad areas, including nanoscience, advanced materials, condensed matter physics; renewable energy; quantum information and photonics; biological physics; astrophysics and plasma physics.

The Ph.D. program in the graduate field of Applied Physics (AP) is a flexible, research-oriented doctoral program tailored to individual interests. AP combines a core physics curriculum with research and study usually in one of the areas discussed above. Graduate students can engage in a wide range of cross-disciplinary research activities, bringing their expertise as an applied physicist to bear, often in a collaborative environment. Instead of a qualifying exam, students are expected take classes in a common core of physics subjects, being quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, and advanced laboratory techniques.

Program Information

• Instruction Mode: In Person
• Location: Ithaca, NY
• Minimum Credits for Degree: 48

Program Requirements

• Five semesters of GRAD research course
• Minimum Semesters for Degree: 6

Graduate School Milestones

• Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
• Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
• Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: Second Year
• Examination for admission to candidacy (A Exam): After a minimum of four semesters
• Defense of Dissertation (B Exam): Two semesters after A exam

Field Specific Milestones

• Special Masters degree is conferred after a successful A Exam
• Students take a diagnostic exam in their first semester. The results are not retained in the student's record.

Course Requirements

Additional course requirements may be set by the student’s Special Committee. Program specific requirements that apply to all students are included below.

Year 1

• 3 credits in Quantum Mechanics
• 3 credits in Electrodynamics
• 3 credits in Statistical Mechanics

Year 2

PHYS 6510 Advanced Experimental Physics

All subsequent terms

GRAD 9010 Graduate-Level Research

University Graduation Requirements

Requirements for All Students

In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.

Academic Requirements

A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.

Non-academic Requirements

Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.

Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.

Learning Outcomes

A candidate for a Ph.D. in Applied Physics is expected to demonstrate:

• Broad knowledge in the fundamental areas of physics and in-depth knowledge at highly advanced level in at least one sub-discipline of Applied Physics
• Breadth of interdisciplinary training 
• The ability to synthesize and create knowledge by making an original and substantial contribution to an area of Applied Physics in an appropriate timeframe.

Proficiencies that are required to be demonstrated by the candidate:

• Demonstrate broad knowledge in the fundamental areas of Applied Physics, advanced knowledge in a sub-discipline, and interdisciplinary training:
  - Proficiency in basic physics
  - Advanced knowledge in an area of applied physics
  - Breadth of interdisciplinary training
• Make an original and substantial contribution to the discipline:
  - Demonstrate independent thinking and creativity
  - Develop and execute original research plan(s)
  - Generate publishable advances in an area of applied physics
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing scholarship:
  - Maintain familiarity with advances in the field
  - Demonstrate commitment to personal professional development through engagement in professional societies, conference participations and publications
  - Show commitment to learning, collaborative inquiry, and mentoring
• Demonstrate professional skills:
  - Understand and maintain ethical standards in the field
  - Listen, give, and receive feedback effectively