Applied Physics, BS

Introduction

A degree in Applied Physics (PHYS) 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 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. There is much overlap between Applied Physics and Stockton’s Engineering Dual-Degree program (see Engineering elsewhere in this Bulletin). Applied Physics majors who are interested in teaching as a career can follow the Physics Teaching track and obtain New Jersey certification for teaching. Such students should inform their preceptor and should contact the Dean of Education as soon as possible after enrolling at Stockton. Additional relevant information is provided under Education in the Bulletin. 

Program Organization

Upon completion of the core Physics and cognate (i.e., related) courses, Applied Physics majors are encouraged to study the application of physics to their own individual fields of interest. This may be accomplished through courses as well as through independent study with the Applied Physics program faculty (see list of faculty specialties above). An Energy Certificate option and a five-year engineering dual-degree, both related to Physics, are also offered (see Energy Certificate and Engineering listings). This curriculum accommodates a broad range of student interests. The program provides three general orientations: industrial and government, physics teaching and graduate school. It is also 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.

 Also offered are more advanced topical courses. Applied Physics students and faculty meet regularly for a zero-credit colloquium to discuss topics of current interest in Physics, Engineering and related areas, visit various facilities, and meet with guest speakers from within and outside the Stockton community. This Physics and Engineering Colloquium (PHYS 2600) is required for four semesters for all Physics majors, and one semester for Engineering majors. Only junior and senior Physics and Engineering students may enroll in Physics Colloquium.

 The Applied Physics program also sponsors independent studies, as well as industrial, governmental and teaching internships for interested students. During their last two years at Stockton, Applied Physics majors gain valuable technical experience by completing a required senior research project, which they are expected to begin during their junior year. Before the end of the junior year, they are required to submit a research proposal to the Physics faculty for review.

Admission to the Program

All interested students are welcome. Mathematics provides tools and a foundation to our science programs. Before students can begin science courses as a Physics major, students must demonstrate math readiness in ONE of the following ways: 

• SAT Math score of 570 or above

• ACT Math score of 24 and above

• Transfer of college-level algebra course (or college-level Precalculus/Calculus)

• Advanced Algebra and Function (AAF) Accuplacer test score of 260 or higher

• Advanced Placement (AP) testing (refer to the AP credits policy)

• Successfully complete a sequence of math courses to become eligible to take Pre-calculus (MATH 1100)

Stockton University stands ready to assist students without this math preparation to develop a strong math foundation with our introductory and intermediate courses in Mathematics. These math courses are in addition to the courses required to complete a degree in Physics and may require additional time for a student to complete their degree. A student with math preparatory needs may have to take math courses during summer to expedite progress toward the degree.

High school students who intend to major in Physics can prepare by building a solid foundation in Mathematics and the physical sciences. Students who are planning a career in teaching Physics are advised to complete a senior project related to teaching.

Students pursuing scientific or technical careers should consider beginning the PHYS 2220/2225-PHYS 2230/2235 course sequence in the fall semester, preferably of their freshman year. Students majoring in Physics who have not completed these courses and the co-requisite Calculus I and II courses by the end of their sophomore year may need to spend additional time at Stockton to meet graduation requirements.

Dual-Degree in Engineering

A five-year dual-degree engineering option with Rutgers University, Rowan University or with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is available to Physics majors. Under this option, the Physics major normally spends the first three years at Stockton and the last two years at NJIT, Rowan or Rutgers. The B.S. degree in Applied Physics from Stockton is awarded after the fourth year and the B.S. in Engineering degree from Rutgers, Rowan, or NJIT a year later. The Engineering degree for the Physics major could be in one of the following areas: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. Graduates of the dual-degree engineering program will have acquired not only thorough training in engineering but also a very strong background in Physics and liberal arts. This should provide good preparation for careers in the 21st century.

Students interested in the five-year, dual-degree option in Engineering should contact the coordinator of the dual-degree program (see the section on the Engineering Dual-Degree program elsewhere in this Bulletin).

 Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 128 credits and an overall GPA of 2.0 are required for graduation from Stockton. However, students may exceed the required 128-credit minimum in the course of preparing for advanced study and careers. The Applied Physics program offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. Students pursuing the B.S. degree are required to complete 80 credits in PHYS and cognate courses. B.A. degree candidates must complete 64 credits in PHYS and cognate courses. All Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NAMS) majors are required to meet a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all NAMS courses. In addition, a C or better for each course or an overall 2.0 GPA is required for program and cognate courses. For the dual-degree Engineering concentration, a minimum grade of C for all courses, as well as an overall GPA and an overall NAMS course GPA of 3.0 are required. The B.A. degree adequately prepares the students for the job market. The B.S. degree may be interdisciplinary in nature; in which case, students have the freedom of choosing (with careful advising) several Physics or cognate courses that best meet their career goals.

The University is not only committed to providing students with a strong specialization in a major, but also seeks to expand their intellectual and cultural horizons by requiring courses in general education. Students pursuing a B.A. degree, in addition to 64 credits in PHYS and cognates, are required to complete 64 credits in General Studies. Students pursuing a B.S., in addition to 80 credits in PHYS and cognates, are required to complete 48 credits in General Studies. The General Studies program includes courses designated by a G-acronym (of which 32 credits are required for graduation), program courses in fields not related to Physics and Mathematics referred to as At-Some-Distance (ASD) courses (32 ASD credits for B.A. and 16 ASD credits for B.S.), W, Q, and R course requirements and AHVI attributes (See General Studies requirements in the Bulletin). W, Q, R and AHVI requirements could be met via program course requirements, G-course requirements or ASD course requirements. Courses should be chosen carefully with frequent guidance from preceptor, to meet graduation requirements and each student’s career goals. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all graduation requirements are met in a timely manner.

Students are expected to meet prerequisites specified for each required course on the course catalog. Students with deficiencies in incoming preparation may need to take additional courses as prerequisites, which may or may not count toward the degree requirements. A transfer student who wishes to major in Physics should contact the Program Chair prior to registering for courses at Stockton. Some transfer students may take longer to fulfill degree requirements, particularly if they are deficient in the science background. Also, continuously maintaining good standing as a student, including academic achievements and code of conduct as per university requirements is imperative to the success of a student in any major.

Graduation with Distinction

The Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in Applied Physics will be awarded at the determination of the Applied Physics program faculty to students who meet University criteria and whose coursework and senior projects are of an outstanding quality. In addition, scholarly performance, adherence to the campus conduct code, and service contributions to the field of Physics and the Physics program will be considered. The level and the number of advanced courses taken will also play a significant role in the decision process for program distinction.

Special Opportunities

In selecting elective courses, Applied Physics majors may take advantage of internships with outside organizations. 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. 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 faculty research programs. These include energy studies, nuclear physics, computational physics, acoustics, atmospheric physics, network systems, reliability of semiconductor components, biomedical physics or physics education. Students have also participated in REU summer programs at other universities. In Stockton’s energy studies, 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-based applications in its courses from the very start of the first year. More advanced work, from theoretical modeling and computer interfaces to laboratory instrumentation, is part of the program curriculum.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Applied Physics are prepared for positions in industry, government and education, as well as for 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 optoelectronic technological applications; and astronomical scientific applications.

Full degree curriculum and transfer audits for the physics program can be explored using the Degree Works web based tool. Full details about the curriculum are accessible on the Applied Physics website.