Academics

Doctoral and Master's Programs

The Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics operates three doctoral specialty programs, in applied physics, applied mathematics, and materials science and engineering.

Students apply to and can be admitted to any one of these three specialty programs. Each program has its own coursework, qualifying exam, and research opportunities. Most students admitted into a given program continue their doctoral studies in that area, but some decide to switch from one of the three areas to another, and they are free to do so. The confluence of these programs in one department promotes a uniquely interactive and exciting academic and research environment for graduate study.

Research opportunities in applied physics include condensed matter and optical physics, fusion and plasma physics, and nanoscience. Research opportunities in applied mathematics include advanced computation, computational atmospheric and earth science, quantitative biology, and inverse problems. Research opportunities in materials science and engineering include nanomaterials, thin film processes and devices, magnetism, and x-ray structure analysis.

All Department students are fully supported for the duration of their Ph.D. study, with full tuition and health insurance coverage, plus a teaching or research assistantship stipend.

Students can also be admitted into a master's program in medical physics, which is run in conjunction with the Columbia University School of Public Health. There are also opportunities for doctoral study in medical physics.

Applications should be completed online. If students have any questions about the admissions process or the programs, they are very welcome to contact our student coordinator, Montserrat Fernandez-Pinkley at or at 212-854-4457.

 

Applied Physics Graduate Program



Applied Mathematics Graduate Program



Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program



Medical Physics Graduate Program