Physics Undergraduate Studies

Department of Physics Undergraduate Studies: Where Hands-On Experience Prepares You for Real-World Success

At Stevens, you learn to think like an engineer. That’s the benefit of the unique, interdisciplinary environment at the Charles V. Schaefer Jr., School of Engineering and Science which houses engineering and science together in one school.

The Department of Physics class sizes are small enough to feel a sense of community, but large enough to offer world-class academic, research, career and commercial opportunities as you are immersed in a research-centric environment with talented students and outstanding faculty mentors.

Our programs feature hands-on learning – focused on the interaction between fundamental physics and technology – that will teach you how to adapt to new technology and emerging fields that make a real impact in the world, like:

  • Experimental AMO Physics​

  • Theoretical Quantum Physics​

  • Quantum Optics and Information​

  • ​Gravity-Quantum Interface​

  • Photonics and Quantum Materials​

Explore our undergraduate majors and minors:

Computer chips in purple light with "Quant" printed on chip

Training the Next Generation of Quantum Engineers

Stevens Department of Physics' focus on quantum technologies aims to fill the talent gap for engineers who can help develop futuristic quantum computers, imaging, AI, communications applications and more which operate on quantum mechanics and nanoscale physics-based technology.

Portrait of Kaitlin Gili, Stevens Class of 2020

Stevens Success Story: Kaitlin Gili ’20

In addition to being accepted to prestigious doctoral programs at Caltech and Oxford, Stevens undergraduate Kaitlin Gili ’20 launched a nonprofit initiative to mentor women in STEM.

Real-World Experience and Hands-On Projects

Our focus on real-world experiences through entrepreneurship training, cooperative education, research and internships promotes hands-on education, builds industry expertise, creates networking connections and elevates the quality of your education and strengthens long-term career opportunities. Our department offers a variety of clubs, organizations and extracurricular activities that will help you develop both personally and professionally. Learn more about these opportunities and how Stevens has helped prepare some of our brightest graduates for their futures.

A photo of Ed Whittaker and Khalid Musa talking in front of a big screen with physics equations

Senior Design Projects

In Senior Design, the engineering capstone course, you'll work on a year-long collaborative project with a team of three to five students and professional industry mentors to develop innovative design solutions for optical engineering projects.

quantum network

Quantum Learning Space and Testing Facilities

The Stevens Quantum Space welcomes all students to learn, design and test innovative ideas based on the latest quantum technologies. Our state-of-the-art facilities promote innovative quantum engineering and provide a multiscale testbed for analyzing and testing new quantum devices and techniques.

Group of students laughing while pretending to be ducks wearing "Go Ducks" trucker caps

Clubs and Organizations

The Schaefer School of Engineering and Science offers key resources for students interested in physics, including student organizations that provide invaluable support to assist them in taking practical, actionable steps toward the future they envision. One such resource is the Society of Physics Students.

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Engineering Cooperative Education

Approximately 30% of undergraduate engineering students participate in the Stevens Cooperative Education Program, designed to provide you with real-world experiences that prepare you to connect your academic studies with on-the-job experience, explore career interests and clarify goals. You'll alternate between semesters of full-time work and full-time study in areas related to your academic major and career goals.

Stevens Innovation Expo 2023

Innovation Expo

Senior design or research projects developed during the capstone course culminate with the annual Innovation Expo, where your projects are displayed and presented to attendees from industry and across campus, and are judged by faculty and leading experts.

Students celebrate graduation with a big smile.

Your Future, Faster: The Accelerated Master's Program

Stevens' Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) enables currently enrolled students to apply credits from your undergraduate coursework toward a master’s degree, allowing you to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years.


The Right Location To Launch Your Career

Stevens is embedded within New York City's global economic and innovation hub. This proximity provides our students with more opportunities for industry collaboration, networking, and internship and job prospects than most other universities. Our graduates go on to secure exciting career opportunities in areas like: 

  • Engineering

  • Environmental Science 

  • Academia 

  • Optical Communications and Networking

  • Photonic Device Design and Manufacturing

  • Laser Design and Engineering

  • Research and Development

  • Aerospace

  • Research Labs

  • Energy and Utilities

  • Military

Stevens graduate Frank Corvino Ph.D. '09 speaking at campus eventPhysics Alumni Carve Dynamic Careers in Life Sciences Research and Consulting

Empowered by their studies at Stevens, Frank Corvino and Marko Zivkovic are helping solve today’s biggest health challenges in their Hoboken-based life sciences consulting startup, Genesis Research. Read their success story >

The Job Market for Physics Degrees

59% Private Sector
Employment Sector After Graduation
35% Engineering Field
Field Entered Upon Graduation
24% Computer Software
Field Entered Upon Graduation
4% Physics or Astronomy
Field Entered Upon Graduation

Hands-On Physics Research

At Stevens, you have the ability to join research groups with students at a variety of levels of experience, and outstanding faculty so you can learn cutting-edge technology as a team, just like in the real-world. In our state-of-the-art research labs and facilities, you'll have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning in the following areas:

  • Atmospheric Physics

  • Experimental AMO Physics

  • Theoretical Quantum Physics

  • Quantum Optics and Information

  • Gravity-Quantum Interface

  • Photonics and Quantum Materials

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Learn More and Apply

Find out what the School of Engineering and Science has to offer by visiting the Schaefer School's Undergraduate Studies page. Visit Undergraduate Admissions to learn about our campus. Ready to take the next step? Learn how to apply below.