The physics department is proud to announce a new major in Applied Physics, designed for students interested in real-world problem-solving. This is an ideal major for students aiming for careers in engineering, data science, public policy, medicine, or other sectors where a broad physics knowledge is integrated into complex, multi-disciplinary problem solving.
Applied Physics is a great way to combine a broad interest in physics with practical career skills, networking opportunities, and experience with team projects. It is an excellent launch pad for careers in the private sector or for advanced study in applications such as engineering and medicine.
How to Declare a Major in Applied Physics
Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, including transfer students, please schedule an appointment with the Physics advisors or email the advisors at physastr@arizona.edu.
Newsletter
The Physics advising team publishes a weekly newsletter throughout the semester that includes information about both the Department of Physics and the Department of Astronomy, as well as course enrollment, graduation, and opportunities to get involved. The newsletter also has a “Guides” page that has checksheets, degree requirements, four-year plans, and prerequisites.
Major Documents
| Applied Physics | Applied Physics & Astronomy |
Program Guide (AY25/26) Checksheet (AY25/26) | |
Program Guide (AY24/25) Checksheet (AY24/25) |
Technical Elective Requirement
Applied Physics students will choose four (4) technical elective courses totaling a minimum of twelve (12) total units. A maximum of six (6) units can be lower-division, and three (3) units can come from physics. Students will meet with their faculty advisor in their sophomore year while they are taking PHYS 263H and will be required to complete a graduation plan, including the selection of their technical electives. Technical elective courses can be chosen from science, engineering, math, and programming coursework and should match the student’s academic and professional goals.
Applied Physics Application Requirement
Applied Physics students are required to participate in a hands-on experience – the majority of Applied Physics students will participate in the College of Engineering Senior Design Project for six (6) total units over fall and spring of their senior year. Students will sign up for ENGR 498A in the fall and ENGR 498B in the spring. Alternatively, an equivalent of six (6) units of interdisciplinary design or internship experience can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Notes
Applied Physics students will be required to complete the following courses to be eligible for the Senior Design course: PHYS 381 (Methods of Experimental Physics I) & PHYS 305 (Computational Physics). Students are also encouraged to complete PHYS 382 (Methods of Experimental Physics II) and have a strong programming background, particularly ECE 101.
Double-Dipping - Applied Physics (BS) majors cannot double-dip courses for their four (4) technical electives in double majors or double degrees with MATH or ASTR. Students may double-dip one 3-unit pre-approved technical elective in MATH or ASTR, but they cannot double-dip courses that fulfill other major or minor requirements in those degree programs.