Department of Physics
Graduate Programs in Physics
Programs and Facilities
Students in the graduate program in applied physics have access to many resources, including far-infrared free electron laser, laser spectroscopy laboratory, surface science laboratory, biosensor laboratory, and a Microelectronics Research Center with class 10 clean room facility for CMOS technology and micromachining research. Other available technology includes molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for III-V optoelectronic materials and device research, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) materials synthesis, ultrafast optical and optoelectronic phenomena, ultrathin film and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), Electronic Imaging Center, rapid thermal annealing, infrared optoelectronic device laboratory, and various materials- and device-characterization facilities.
Interdisciplinary applied physics research is carried out in collaboration with electrical engineering, chemistry, biological sciences, and geological sciences faculty members, as well as with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). There also is extensive cooperative research with the National Solar Observatory, Bell Laboratories, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, and other industrial and federal research laboratories.
For more information about the Joint M.S. in Applied Physics and the Joint Ph.D. in Applied Physics, see the Graduate School-Newark Catalog Description Of Applied Physics Programs and Graduate School-Newark Catalog List Of Applied Physics Graduate Courses.
Graduate Program in Applied Physics
Graduate Program in Applied Physics
Ph.D. Degree Learning Goals and Assessment
The doctoral program in Applied Physics trains students at the highest level to conduct research at the forefront in experimental and theoretical applied physics.
Learning Goal 1 for Students: Master the fundamentals of the field and
develop the problem solving skills and analytical thinking required for research.
Assessment of student achievement of Goal 1:
• Performance on homework, exams, class participation in graduate courses
• Written qualifying exam to assess basic knowledge of physics, problem solving skills, and analytical thinking
Role of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 1:
• Assure that students are prepared in a coherent and academically rigorous fashion
• Assure breadth of knowledge by requiring courses outside of primary area of interest
To ensure broadness, students can take some courses at NJIT and New Brunswick
• Effective monitoring of student progress
• Provide guidance on preparing for the qualifying exams
• Evaluations of teaching effectiveness of instructors in graduate courses
o If effectiveness is below expectations, work with instructors to improve
• Periodic review of curriculum and assessment tools
Learning Goal 2 for Students: Engage in and conduct original research
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 2:
• Research proposal and subsequent annual meetings of the Ph.D. committee
• Preparation and defense of Ph.D. dissertation
• Assessment of quality of Ph.D. dissertation
o Public defense of dissertation
o Critical reading of dissertation by a committee consisting of graduate
faculty members (sometimes associated with industry)
o Submission and acceptance of conference papers and of peer reviewed articles based on the dissertation
• Achievement of students as evidenced by professional placement, selection for conference presentations, peer reviewed publications, and the awarding of individual grants and fellowships.
Role of the program in helping students achieve Goal 2:
• Research adviser guides and advises student on methods of research, finding thesis topic, and completion of research
• Acquaint students with research in department through seminars
• Provide an early introduction to research methods and opportunities for research
• Provide opportunities to present research and receive feedback
• Provide guidance toward timely completion of degree
Learning Goal 3 for Students: Master the skills required for careers in basic and applied research, development, and/or teaching.
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 3:
• Review papers presented, publications, and professional networking
• Evaluations of teaching effectiveness of graduate student instructors
• Collection of placement data and awards
• Survey graduates
Role of the program in helping students achieve Goal 3:
• Help students develop effective presentation and communication skills through annual committee meetings and presentations at group meetings, conferences, and other forums. Develop programs related to job and networking skills, including membership and activity in professional societies
• Teach students how to assess themselves in their future professional capacities
• Acquaint students with career opportunities outside applied physics
The Chair of the Department of Applied Physics and the Director of the Graduate Program will regularly review the structure and content of the program and the feedback received from assessments and surveys in order to improve the program and provide students with the best
available education in applied physics.
Master’s Degrees Learning Goals and Assessment
The masters program in Applied Physics trains Master of Science students at an advanced level in aspects of experimental and theoretical applied physics.
Learning Goal 1 for Students: Master the fundamental knowledge of the field.
Assessment of student achievement of Goal 1:
• Performance on homework, examinations and class participation in courses
• Comprehensive qualifying examination to assess basic knowledge in physics
• Essay on a current topic in the field or a research thesis evaluated by faculty
• Placement in a career or a continuation of graduate study that requires ability in
applied physics.
Role of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 1:
• Assure that students are being prepared in a coherent and academically rigorous fashion
• Effective monitoring of student progress
• Evaluations of teaching effectiveness of instructors in graduate courses
o If effectiveness is below expectations, work with instructors to improve
• Periodic review of curriculum offerings and assessment tools
Learning Goal 2 for Students: Engage in and conduct original research (for
Master’s degrees with thesis)
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 2:
• Assessment of quality of Master’s thesis
o Public defense of thesis
o Critical reading of thesis by a committee of graduate faculty members
o Submission and acceptance of conference papers and of peer reviewed
articles based on the thesis
• Achievement of students as evidenced by professional placement, selection for conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and the awarding of individual grants
Role of graduate program in helping students achieve Goal 2:
• Provide an early introduction to research methods and opportunities for research
• Provide opportunities and support to present research and receive feedback
Learning Goal 3 for Students: Prepare professionals working in applied physics
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 3:
• Evaluations of teaching effectiveness of graduate student instructors
• Collection of placement and awards data
Role of the program in helping students achieve Goal 3:
• Host professional development and career exploration activities
• Acquaint students with non-academic career opportunities
The leadership of the Graduate Program of the Department of Applied Physics
will regularly review the structure and content of the program and feedback
received from assessments, surveys and students. These reviews are used to improve the program to achieve the goal of providing the best possible education for students
211 Smith Hall, 101 Warren St., Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973.353.5250/1312, Fax: 973.353.1434
