Bachelor in Applied Physics

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), established in 1824 in Troy, New York, is a research-intensive university with a deep focus on science, engineering and technology innovation. With about 7,500 students, including a significant international cohort, RPI emphasizes interdisciplinary study, hands-on research and entrepreneurship. The institute’s long history in technological education is matched by modern facilities and centers that encourage students to turn ideas into tangible projects and startups.

RPI’s academic strengths span engineering, computer science, architecture, cognitive science and applied sciences across undergraduate and graduate programs. The curriculum integrates lab work, project-based courses and research opportunities with faculty who lead funded projects and industry collaborations. Students benefit from maker spaces, advanced laboratories and incubators that support capstone projects, patents and launch-ready ventures. Cooperative education, internships and industry partnerships create direct pathways from study to employment.

Campus life at RPI blends a close-knit academic community with access to regional industry in the Albany-Troy corridor. International students find comprehensive support services, orientation programs and professional advising to navigate study, work authorization and career placement. Graduates are sought after for technical roles, research positions and entrepreneurial careers, reflecting RPI’s focus on practical problem solving, innovation and real-world impact.

The Bachelor in Applied Physics is a four-year degree for students who want to study physics and its applications. It gives students a solid foundation in physics and lets them focus on a specific area of interest.

This program teaches students about physics and allows them to choose a track that interests them. They learn skills like problem-solving, experimentation, and data analysis. Students also work with their academic advisor to choose a track that appears on their diploma.

After graduating, students can work as Research Scientists, Physics Teachers, Engineering Physicists, Data Analysts, or Laboratory Technicians. They can work in industries like technology, education, or research, and for companies like NASA, Google, or the National Institutes of Health.