Applied Physics
Bachelor of Science Degree
The applied physics B.S. program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in
emerging science, technology, and engineering fields as well as entry into graduate
and professional programs in applied physics, instrumentation, material science, and
engineering fields. The program is intended to be completed in four years, and the
content of the program is fully compatible with the SUNY transfer path for physics,
allowing for seamless transfer between SUNY institutions. First-time full-time students
will need to complete 24 credits at FSC before enrolling in the program.
An applied physics major differs from a standard physics major as it takes general
concepts of physics, a broad foundational field, and provides opportunity for students
to apply them in practical situations relevant to careers in emerging high-tech industries.
The curriculum builds on a strong foundation in general physics and a rigorous mathematical
preparation, and takes students through a progression of highly applied advanced courses
such as Materials Thermodynamics, Photonics, and Quantum Optics. These courses are
designed to provide students with marketable skills needed to launch a career in the
technical R&D workforce where hands-on experience is key. Furthermore, students have
the unique opportunity to apply the concepts gained from such courses through their
enrollment in a three-semester research capstone experience culminating in the Applied
Physics Thesis course, by which they work alongside faculty to perform cutting edge
physics and applied physics undergraduate research.
Applied Physics (BS) Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, applied physics graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the application of physics concepts across practical fields in multiple ways including mathematically, conceptually, verbally, pictorially, computationally by simulation, and experimentally.
- Exercise critical thinking in applying physics concepts to modern technology and to the solutions of complex technical or quantitative problems faced by industry and society. Emphasis will be placed on our relationship with our environment.
- Organize and communicate impactful ideas for a wide range of technical, engineering, and general audiences. Intrinsic to this goal, graduates will be able to work independently and collaboratively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams as a member or leader in pursuing a common goal.
- Engage in research and development activities, including organizing and applying course-based knowledge and guidance from research mentors to solve applied problems of broad practical interest in technically and industrially relevant fields.
Typical Employment Opportunities and Graduate/Professional School Options
Examples of career paths and graduate/professional school opportunities for which
this program can provide preparation are presented below:
Materials Science and Engineering
(characterization, testing, and development of advanced materials including semiconductors,
thin films, nanomaterials, and functional materials for electronics, energy, and manufacturing
applications): job titles include Materials Engineer, Failure Analysis Engineer, Quality
Engineer, R&D Scientist.
Photonics and Optical Engineering
(design, development, and optimization of laser systems, fiber optic communications,
imaging systems, and optical sensors for applications in telecommunications, medical
devices, defense, and manufacturing): job titles include Optical Engineer, Laser Systems
Engineer, Photonics Technician, Optical Design Engineer, Test Engineer.
Quantum Technology and Computing
(development of quantum computers, quantum sensors, quantum communication systems,
and related hardware for emerging quantum information technology industries): job
titles include Quantum Applications Engineer, Quantum Hardware Engineer, Quantum Research
Scientist, Cryogenic Systems Engineer, Quantum Algorithm Developer.
Instrumentation and Sensors
(design, testing, and integration of measurement systems, sensors, detectors, and
precision instrumentation for scientific research, medical diagnostics, environmental
monitoring, and industrial quality control): job titles include Instrumentation Engineer,
Test Engineer, Metrology Engineer, Sensor Systems Engineer, Applications Engineer,
Field Service Engineer.
Computational Physics and Modeling
(development and application of computational methods, simulations, and numerical
models for physics-based problems in engineering, finance, data science, and scientific
research): job titles include Computational Scientist, Modeling and Simulation Engineer,
Data Scientist, Scientific Software Developer, Quantitative Analyst, Research Software
Engineer.
Physics Graduate Programs and Research Careers
For students seeking entry into graduate programs in physics, applied physics, engineering
physics, astrophysics, space physics, or related fields leading to research careers
in academia, national laboratories, or industrial R&D.
Engineering Graduate Programs
For students seeking entry into graduate programs in engineering disciplines (electrical,
mechanical, optical, materials, aerospace, or computer engineering).
Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
Contact Information
Physics Department
Lloyd Makarowitz, Ph.D
Lupton Hall, Room 200
934-420-2188
physics@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Fall 2026
Subject to revision
| College Requirement | (1 credit) |
|---|---|
| FYE 101 First Year Experience* | 1 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | (43 credits) |
|---|---|
| EGL 101 Composition 1: College Writing (GE) | 3 |
| EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature | 3 |
| Communications - Oral (GE) | 3 |
| The Arts (GE) | 3 |
| Humanities (GE) | 3 |
| US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness (GE) | 3 |
| World Language Level I (GE) | 3 |
| Social Sciences (GE) | 3 |
| CHM 152 General Chemistry | 4 |
| MTH 150 Calculus I (GE) | 4 |
| MTH 151 Calculus II | 4 |
| MTH 252 Calculus III | 4 |
| MTH 245 Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Required Courses | (52 credits) |
|---|---|
| BCS 109 Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| PHY 107 Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PHY 143 General Physics I (GE) | 4 |
| PHY 144 General Physics II (GE) | 4 |
| PHY 255 Oscillatory Motion and Waves | 3 |
| PHY 310 Analytical and Numerical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY 312 Materials Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHY 323 Electromagnetic Theory | 3 |
| PHY 333 Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHY 334L Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHY 350 Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY 356 Integrated Topics in Math and Physics | 3 |
| PHY 423 Photonics | 3 |
| PHY 450 Quantum Optics | 3 |
| PHY 480 Physics Research I | 3 |
| PHY 481 Physics Research II | 3 |
| PHY 482 Physics Thesis | 3 |
| PHY 499 Special Topics in Applied Physics | 3 |
| Free Electives* | (25 credits) |
Curriculum Summary
Degree Type: BS
Total Required Credits: 120-121
*A minimum of 9 free elective credits must be taken at the 300-level or above
Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied.
As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at Farmingdale State College (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses will be developed in accordance with the guiding principles and criteria outlined below. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.