Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics - STEM Designated
Chicago, USA
DURATION
133 Hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Prepare to head into a career in a multitude of areas, or to enter into a graduate program in physics, engineering, and many other non-physics related fields. College Board sums up this degree in one word: flexibility.
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics degree at Illinois Tech provides an option if you have a strong affinity for physics, but wish to pursue a career in application of basic scientific principles to the design of equipment. Electronic and electro-mechanical systems for use in measurements, communications, and data acquisition all rely on principles of applied physics. Explore newly developing areas of physics, high technology, instrumentation, and communications at Chicago’s only tech-focused university. A B.S. in applied physics provides a solid physics background, while allowing significant engineering or other technical concentrations.
Program Overview
Applied physics combines research in physics with problem-solving knowledge to prepare for a career applying basic scientific principles into designs of equipment. Electronic and electro-mechanical systems in measurements, communications, and data acquisition all rely on principles of applied physics.
Program Specializations
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Why Illinois Tech is one of the best value universities in the country
As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures).
We’re committed to dramatically reducing the cost of your degree, so you can focus on learning at one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven universities in the country.
Want some more great reasons?
- On top of our institutional scholarship, on average, Illinois Tech awards our students an additional $34,412 each in need-based tuition aid over four years ($43,015 for five years). (among FAFSA filers, fall 2021)
- We’re the #44 Best Value School in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
- 98% of our students receive some form of financial aid
- The mean starting salary of our undergraduates is $63,938
Gallery
Facilities
Admissions
Curriculum
Required Courses
Physics Requirements ---- ---- (49)
- PHYS 100 ---- ---- Introduction to the Profession ---- ---- 2
- PHYS 123 ---- ---- General Physics I: Mechanics ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 221 ---- ---- General Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 223 ---- ---- General Physics III ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 240 ---- ---- Computational Science ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 300 ---- ---- Instrumentation Lab ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 301 ---- ---- Math Methods of Physics ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 304 ---- ---- Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 308 ---- ---- Classical Mechanics I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 309 ---- ---- Classical Mechanics II ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 405 ---- ---- Fndmntls of Quantum Theory I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 406 ---- ---- Fndmntls of Quantum Theory II ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 413 ---- ---- Electromagnetism I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 414 ---- ---- Electromagnetism II ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 427 ---- ---- Advanced Physics Lab I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 485 ---- ---- Physics Colloquium ---- ---- 1
Specialization Requirements ---- ---- (27)
Select 27 credit hours in a specific engineering, math, or science discipline1 ---- ---- 27
Mathematics Requirements ---- ---- (18)
- MATH 151 ---- ---- Calculus I ---- ---- 5
- MATH 152 ---- ---- Calculus II ---- ---- 5
- MATH 251 ---- ---- Multivariate & Vector Calculus ---- ---- 4
- MATH 252 ---- ---- Introduction to Differential Equations ---- ---- 4
Technical Electives ---- ---- (6)
Select six credit hours, approved by the advisor, from the physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering departments ---- ---- 6
Chemistry Requirement ---- ---- (4)
- CHEM 124 ---- ---- Principle of Chemistry I with Lab ---- ---- 4
Computer Science Requirement ---- ---- (2)
Select one of the following: ---- ---- 2
- CS 104 ---- ---- Intro to Computer Programming for Engineers ---- ---- 2
- CS 105 ---- ---- Intro to Computer Programming ---- ---- 2
- CS 115 ---- ---- Object-Oriented Programming I ---- ---- 2
Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) ---- ---- (6)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, section E ---- ---- 6
Humanities and Social Science Requirements ---- ---- (21)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, sections B and C ---- ---- 21
Total Credit Hours ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 133
1 See the Specializations tab for a few recommended specializations.
Scholarships and Funding
Career Opportunities
Fiber optics, astrophysics, vacuum tunneling, nondestructive testing, acoustics, semiconductors, laser optics, quantum optics, and condensed matter all are popular fields in applied physics.
- Accelerator operator
- Applications engineer
- Data analyst
- Design engineer
- IT consultant
- Lab technician
- Laser engineer