MS Research Specialization in Applied Physics

MS Research Specialization in Applied Physics

Advisers: full-time applied physics faculty

The Applied Physics Program of APAM offers qualified MS students the option to pursue the MS Research Specialization. This specialization is merit-based; each student needs to find a full-time faculty member in applied physics who is willing to supervise their research. Students need to first do at least 3 credits of APAM 6650 (as part of the credits in their first two semesters) under the supervision of a research advisor and then needs the recommendation from their research advisor to apply and be considered for admission into the specialization by the program.

Admitted students will typically take a 6-credit (zero tuition) research course ENGI E4990 in their third semester, in addition to the remaining credits of their other third-semester courses, to achieve a full-time status in their third semester. They then need to take another 6-credit (zero tuition) research course ENGI E4990 in their fourth semester and thereby be enrolled full time in the Columbia program as a student in residence. The course is a letter-grade course and can be taken in the fall or spring. The grades will be included on the transcript. ENGI E4990 credits do not count as credits for the MS degree. Although 30 credits satisfying the MS program have to be completed within the first three semesters of studies, the MS degree with be granted to students in this specialization only at the end of successfully and fully completing the fourth semester at Columbia.

Application Requirements

(1) Applicants should have taken at least 3 credits of APAM 6650 prior to being admitted to the program.

(2) Applicants should submit an application to the APAM Student Services Coordinator at [email protected]. Applicants should also ask their APAM 6650 research advisor for a recommendation to also be submitted along with the application to the APAM Student Services Coordinator.

(3) A committee of applied math physics faculty will make the decision on the application.

In addition to the recommendation letter, the application sent to the APAM Student Services Coordinator should consist of:

(i)  a brief statement on why the applicant is interested in the program and his/her past/ongoing research training/experience
(ii) a short CV, and
(iii) a list of all courses (completed and registered) at Columbia together with grades and GPA, plus additional courses taken elsewhere that could strengthen the application.