The Physics
Department offers MS in Photonics (Professional
Science Master's) and MA in Physics
degrees, BS and BA (with Applied Physics track and a
regular track) degrees in Physics, Physics minor, major in physics education,
and a pre-engineering program. The Photonics MS Program prepares students
for immediate employment in high-tech companies by providing them with an
understanding of modern optics, measurement techniques, photonic devices and
the tools, as well with communication skills and basic understanding of
economics of high-tech industries. More detailed description of industries
employing photonics specialists can be found on the website of National Photonics Initiative. The
Photonics MS degree may be obtained by taking only evening courses. The Physics
MA program is a more traditional program intended for students who need
additional preparation before entering Physics or Engineering PhD programs,
students who want to advance their quantitative and problem - solving skills
before entering other fields such as quantitative finances, actuarial sciences,
etc., as well as for students seeking teaching careers in secondary schools.
The BS and BA degrees in Physics differ by the level of rigor, but both prepare
students for careers in a wide variety of technical disciplines, for graduate
school in physics or engineering, or for a science teaching career. The
pre-engineering program allows student to complete the BA degree in Physics
following the Applied Physics track, and to subsequently transfer to one of the
engineering programs at Columbia University. Students in the pre-engineering
program have an opportunity to graduate with both physics and engineering
degrees.
All
faculty members of the Department are also doctoral faculty at CUNY Graduate
Center and are involved in mentoring PhD students.
The study of physics
provides students with strong analytical skills and a foundation for
understanding other basic sciences. The physics curriculum covers the topics of
mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, relativity, quantum
mechanics, and specialized topics in classical and modern physics. Experimental
skills are developed in several laboratory courses. Qualified undergraduates
may take graduate level courses, and may participate in internationally
respected experimental and theoretical research efforts within the department.