Applied Physics
A degree in Applied Physics provides preparation for a wide range of scientific and technical careers and for secondary-school science teaching.
As a fundamental science, with applications in many fields, Physics (PHYS) also strengthens the backgrounds of students whose major interests are Biology, Marine Science, Physical Therapy, Mathematics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Environmental Science, Information and Computer Sciences, Computational Science, Geology, Pre-Medical Studies and Other Health Sciences.
About the Program
Stockton’s Applied Physics program is designed for students interested in studying physics, engineering, and energy studies. Emphasis is placed on application of physics both to physical theory and experiments, as well as general problem-solving techniques. Upper-level students engage in independent research projects under the guidance of physics faculty.
Physics students from Stockton participate in internships and Research Experiences for Undergraduates all over the country, including the local FAA Technical Center, national labs, and other universities.
Program Chair:
Dr. Joseph Trout
Associate Professor of Physics
USC2-211 | 609-626-3815
Joseph.Trout@stockton.edu
Upon leaving Stockton, physics students go on to graduate school, industry, government, and teaching jobs. Stockton physics students also find success in going on to related fields such as medicine, engineering, electronics, communication technology, and transportation technology, among others.
- Most introductory courses and all upper-level courses taught by full-time faculty
- Program faculty hold doctoral degrees in Physics from highly reputed institutions
- Small class sizes
- Physics majors have program faculty as academic advisors.
Advanced Lab Equipment
Stockton University students and faculty can create images of atoms and map the surface structure of materials using a new Atomic Force Microscope AFMM). Students studying nanoscience, will be able to discover properties of materials that can only be seen with an AFM. Carbonn anotubess are used in the medical industry for drug delivery and can also be used as electrical conductors. An AFM can help to characterize the structure and properties of a nanotube.
Curriculum
The program provides three general orientations: industrial and government, physics teaching and graduate school. It is possible for a student to obtain a Physics degree and to carry out a concentration in a related area such as Engineering, Mathematics, Biology, Computational Science, Marine Science, Business, Computer Sciences, Environmental Science, Energy, etc. In addition to the standard Physics curriculum, which prepares students for graduate school, the Physics program also offers applied thrusts in Energy Studies, Engineering Physics, Computational Physics, Biomedical Physics and Physics Education.
The program has the following concentrations of study:
- B.A. / B.S. Applied Physics - General Concentration
- B.S. Dual-Degree Applied Physics and Engineering
- B.A. Applied Physics - Concentration in Education
- Minor
Worksheet
To see the curriculum for your area of interest you’ll use the web program, Degree Works. This program is accessible even if you are not currently a student with Stockton University.
If you are a current student at Stockton University, access Degree Works through the portal, then choose the “what if” option to explore the various paths towards degree completion.
Prospective freshman or transfer students, can use the Curriculum & Transfer Equivalency Tool below. In addition, the program degree map below provides valuable degree information and is a guide to assist in planning academic coursework, but should not substitute academic advisement.
Instructions on How to Use Curriculum Tool
- At the next page you are prompted with three (3) options. Select the one that says “continue without signing in.”
- Respond to each prompt using the pull-down menu in the center of the page. [Please be patient. It may take a few seconds for the system to process your request. If you see a NO symbol, you need to wait a moment!]
Prompts include:
- Enrollment dates (Choose intended semester attending)
- Intended level (Choose“undergraduate”)
- What degree you will pursue? (Choose “Bachelor of Science” or “Bachelor of Arts”)
- What is your intended major? (Choose “Biochemistry Molecular Biology”)
- What is your intended concentration? (Choose “General”)
- What is your intended minor? (Choose “none” or select one - it is not required)
- For prospective students, choose “I’m all done" button.
- For transfer students, use the “class” button to see how courses already taken fit into the Stockton degree path.
- You will see an overview of the degree you have selected, including all requirements.
- At the bottom of the screen, you could save or print worksheet.
Flow Charts
Learn more about the Physics program ELO's. These essential learning outcomes guide all Stockton University students from first-year through graduation to the intellectual and marketable talents needed to prepare for personal and professional success in the 21st century.
Faculty
Learn more about Physics Faculty Research.
Frank Malatino, Physics Adjunct Faculty
Franklin Williams, Physics Adjunct Faculty
Special Opportunities
In selecting elective courses, Applied Physics majors may take advantage of research opportunities in the Geothermal Project on campus or in an internship with an outside organization. Such opportunities provide valuable practical training and make the Applied Physics curriculum directly relevant to postgraduate employment or to graduate studies. Students have held internships with the nearby Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center FAATC) as well as with nationally recognized laboratories such as Argonne, Oak Ridge, Brookhaven, the Princeton Plasma Laboratory, the Goddard Space Center and the Space Telescope Sciences Institute. Students have also participated in REU summer programs at other universities. Additional internships can be arranged by students and faculty with other governmental or industrial firms. These may be made into a cooperative work-study arrangement for qualified students.
Applied Physics students are encouraged to become actively involved in various aspects of the program. Advanced students can gain teaching experience as Student Assistants for laboratory sections or as grading assistants for introductory or advanced courses. Students are expected to become involved in one of the ongoing research programs. These include energy studies, Stockton’s geothermal heating and cooling system (the longest closed loop system in the United States), nuclear physics, computational physics, acoustics, atmospheric physics, network systems, reliability of semiconductor components, biomedical physics or physics education. In Stockton’s energy program students apply their physics knowledge to technical topics such as solar heating, wind power, fuel cells, energy conservation and heat pumps. The Physics program has developed significant strengths in the field of energy in buildings and continues to obtain special equipment for its study.The Applied Physics program emphasizes computer computation in its courses from the very start of the first year. More advanced work, both in theoretical modeling and computer interfaces to laboratory instrumentation, is part of the program curriculum.
Careers
Graduates of Applied Physics are prepared for positions in industry, government and education, as well as for graduate work in graduate school in physics or related areas. Among the career opportunities are positions in expanding technological areas such as alternative and conventional energy production; energy conservation; scientific computer programming and computational science; radiation safety; medical and health physics; microelectronics; communication and transportation analysis; engineering; advanced optical and optoelectronical technological applications; and astronomical scientific applications.
There is a wide variety of jobs within field of physics.
Sample list of potential careers:
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Physicists are projected to have employment growth in the scientific research and development services, educational services, and healthcare and social assistance industries.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learn more about physicists and career outlook:
The Office of Institutional Research collects information on where our alumni land within six months of graduation. To learn more about Physics alumni, use the Graduate Outcomes tool.
- Using the down arrow, uncheck 'All' and select 'Physics'
The connections you made with your professors and preceptors are invaluable resources for your career planning. Beyond providing assistance on coursework and scheduling, they can give you guidance in planning for your post-college career.
In addition, we have a student Career Center that is available to guide you through your career development journey - from CV writing, interview prep or general guidance.
