This or That: Physics vs. Applied Physics

The Physics major at NYU explores more of the theoretical and mathematical side of this science. If you decide to study Physics, you will be a student at the College of Arts and Science (CAS). Students studying Physics will receive a Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) after completing 18 required physics/math courses. As a student at CAS you would also need to complete the Core Curriculum requirements. The Core Curriculum gives students a liberal arts base in pursuing their education and is made up of five parts:

1. First Year Seminars
2. Expository Writing
3. Foreign Language Study
4. Foundations of Scientific Inquiry (FSI)
5. Foundations of Contemporary Culture (FCC)

You also have a few different options when it comes to the Physics major. If you want to focus more on the sciences, you can earn a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) by completing additional courses in chemistry, biology, and computational physics. You also have the opportunity to pursue a second major. If you pursue a BA in physics, you can have a second major at CAS. Students in this program can study away and participate in research with faculty members and/or pursue their own research projects.

If you decide to study Applied Physics, you will be a student at the Tandon School of Engineering, located at the NYU Campus in Brooklyn! Students studying Applied Physics will receive a BS after completing 128 total credits including:

• Core Physics Requirements (36 Credits)
• Physics and Math Electives (21 Credits)
• Electives in Humanities and Social Sciences (16 Credits)
• Other Required Courses (37 Credits)

Applied Physics focuses heavily on (you guessed it!) the application of physics. This major explores more of the practical and every day applications and uses of physics as opposed to more theoretical based research. Students who are interested in studying engineering and physics should consider the Applied Physics major, which is the bridge between the two disciplines. At Tandon, you will also have opportunities to conduct research at one of the various research centers and institutes, and participate in a study away program.