Why Study Applied Physics?
Customize your physics degree with coursework in computer science, chemistry, or engineering to match your goals. Build versatile skills that prepare you for interdisciplinary careers and advanced study.
From Labs to the Stars
Explore research opportunities with San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute and participate in trips to the McDonald Observatory.
Where Science Meets the Liberal Arts
Interdisciplinary framing, with courses in physics, chemistry, computer science, and more with an emphasis on the liberal arts, with hands-on applications of coursework.
From Research to Presentation
National/regional research presentation opportunities with an emphasis on writing and presentation skills.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- Are interested in understanding how the physical world works and how those principles can be applied to real-world problems
- Enjoy using mathematics, modeling, and problem-solving to analyze complex systems
- Like working across disciplines such as physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics
- Are drawn to hands-on experimentation, lab work, and computational simulations
- Are considering careers in engineering, technology, research, data science, or other applied STEM fields
Applied Physics pairs well with
- Engineering Science
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Mathematical Finance
The Applied Physics (B.S.)
Courses focus on the physics fundamentals, with additional elements of chemistry, computer science, engineering analysis, mathematics, and more.
Demand-Skills:
- Computational and programming skills
- Experimental and engineering design skills
- Technical communication and research presentation
Curriculum
Students complete 43-45 credit hours, including core physics courses, and complete one concentration in fields such as chemistry, applied physics, and computer science.
View requirements in the course catalog
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Recent Graduate Careers
The Applied Physics major equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical experience necessary to flourish in a wide array of graduate programs, research fields, and careers.
Graduate Programs:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Astrophysics
- Biophysics
- Data Science
- Material Physics and Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optical Engineering
- Physics
Career Areas:
- Data Science
- Environmental Studies
- Industrial Physics
- Optical Engineering
- Research
- Teaching
Notable Graduate Schools:
- Cornell University
- Rice University
- Stanford University
Notable Companies That Have Hired Trinity Graduates:
- Advanced Micro Devices. Inc.
- BJN Technologies, LLC
- Boeing
- Columbia Industries
- Dow Chemical Company
- McDonnell Douglas
- Southwest Research Institute
- SpaceX
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Applied Physics major should:
Meet with an academic adviser to explore introductory courses in Applied Physics, review degree requirements in the course catalog, and contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy with any advising questions.