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Our program is one of the strongest in the nation (in the top 22 out of 185)
according to an analysis by the American Institute of Physics

Click for: The AIP report "Mastering Physics for Non-Academic Careers"
(List of the Top 22)

Physicists in industry have contributed immeasurably to the technological superiority which the United States has enjoyed for many years. More recently, economic pressures have prompted American industry to place increasing emphasis on specific technical and communication skills in their selection of personnel. We believe that the unique quantitative analytic skills and creating thinking abilities which are acquired through a rigorous physics education prepare an individual well for a career in industry. In order to enhance these skills, we now offer a postgraduate degree program in Applied & Industrial Physics.

The Applied & Industrial Physics option in the Physics Department at Virginia Tech leads to a degree of Master of Science in Physics and prepares a student to apply broad physics principles to technological problems of interest to industry. The program combines courses with applied and technological relevance with a research project that is carried out either in an industrial laboratory or on campus.

Optics research in Robeson Hall.

Additional emphasis will be placed on enhancing the communication skills of the student and on preparing the student to work with a team. The requirements for the degree include a research project leading to a project report or written thesis and the successful completion of a program of study. Courses in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and business may be combined to satisfy the course requirements for the degree. The program can be completed in four semesters.

Each student accepted into the Applied and Industrial Physics program will be assigned an interim advisor to plan an initial program of study. During the first semester, the student will select a thesis advisor and committee. In consultation with his/her advisor and committee, the student will define and plan the full program of coursework and research tailored to his or her specific interests and goals.

A minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and research is required. At least twelve (12) of these hours must be courses in Physics, with the remainder in fields relevant to a career in industry. A minimum of six (6) hours and a maximum of ten (10) hours of research is required during the course of the program. This requirement may be satisfied by an industrial internship or by a research project on campus. In either case, the project is arranged in cooperation with a faculty advisor. When the student works at an industrial site, the company, in consultation with the student and student advisor, will designate a supervisor for the student. The student, thesis advisor, and industrial supervisor will meet at regular intervals to discuss the student's progress.

A project report on the research project must be submitted at the completion of the program.

The entire program is designed to be completed in two years; extension beyond this period requires the approval of the student's advisory committee. Special arrangements are possible for persons currently employed in industry who wish to enroll on a part-time basis.

A student doing an industrial internship will prepare a resume and go through the same interview process as they would for a permanent position.

The following companies have been contacted and would consider taking an intern from our program:

A student, with approval of his/her advisor committee, may choose their own internship company.

Application materials may be obtained by writing to:

Graduate Admissions
Department of Physics
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg VA 24061-0435

Phone : (540) 231-6544
Fax : (540) 231-7511
Email (@vt.edu) : chris.thomas

Please indicate on your application that you are interested in the Applied and Industrial Physics master's option

For more information, contact

Professor A. L. Ritter
Phone : (540) 231-5369
Email (@vt.edu) : aritter

Applicants should complete their undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university prior to admission. A strong background in physics is a requirement of this program. We require the Graduate Record Examination general and subject test.