Applied Physics, PhD
Pursue advanced study and research in theoretical and experimental plasma physics, solid state physics, or optical and laser physics.
Delve into research at the intersection of theoretical physics and applications in areas of departmental strength. In the PhD in Applied Physics program at Columbia Engineering, you’ll choose a specialization in plasma, solid state, or optical and laser physics and collaborate with researchers in domains like high-temperature plasma physics, thin-film formation and processing, and the design of photon integrated circuits. You’ll gain access to outstanding facilities and field-leading researchers within a larger context of active collaboration and innovation in the university and the city beyond.
Why Earn your PhD in Applied Physics at Columbia?
Columbia gives you a rigorous Ivy League education in the heart of a vibrant global city for unmatched opportunities and impact.
As a student, you’ll benefit from:
- New York City
Join top talent in one of the world’s most exciting and influential cities. Students choose Columbia Engineering over MIT, Berkeley, and others because of the New York City ecosystem of research and enterprise that can’t be found anywhere else.
- An Environment of Innovation
Our faculty lead the world in innovative research, generating new knowledge, patents, and startups at a staggering rate. When you work with the very best faculty, you acquire the experience and habits of mind to follow in their footsteps for leadership in the field. What you discover, make, and do here will be the best work you have ever done — but only the beginning of the best work you will do.
- Top Research Facilities
The Plasma Physics Lab is one of the leading university labs for the study of plasma physics in the world, comprising Columbia’s High-Beta Tokamak and 3 other experimental facilities. Departmental resources also include advanced equipment for laser physics and optics in association with the Nano Initiative. Extensive computing clusters and desktops provide power for advanced modeling and data processing.
- Unique Multi-Disciplinary Department
Unlike most programs in applied physics, Columbia’s program is housed with applied mathematics, materials science and engineering, and medical physics within a unified department, giving you broad exposure to several domains and experience with collaborative, multi-disciplinary problem-solving.