Explore the New Applied Physics B.S. at Georgia Tech (Coming Summer 2026!)
Where Physics Meets Real-World Impact
The School of Physics at Georgia Tech is excited to announce a major update to our Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, a degree designed for students who are passionate about physics and ready to turn that passion into powerful, practical solutions.
This newly revised program offers a rigorous foundation in core physics, enhanced by hands-on laboratory experiences such as in Electronics and Modern Optics.
What sets this degree apart? Students now have the opportunity to customize their path by choosing from two focused tracks:
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Nuclear and Radiological Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
Each track includes four in-depth courses from Georgia Tech’s world-renowned engineering programs, giving students a direct gateway into high-demand, high-impact fields.
Whether you're aiming for cutting-edge research, advanced technology development, or solving the complex problems of tomorrow, the Applied Physics B.S. equips you with the skills, experience, and flexibility to succeed.
This sound exciting! Tell me more about these engineering tracks.
The updated Applied Physics degree has 15 credit hours of Technical Electives, called "Applied Electives". Students will have the option to complete the majority of these hours in one of the following tracks:
- Nuclear and Radiological Engineering (NRE) Track (12 hours)
- NRE 2120 Elements of Nuclear and Radiological Engineering
- NRE 3301 Radiation Physics
- NRE 3208 Nuclear Reactor Physics OR NRE 3316 Radiation Protection Engineering
- NRE 3112 Radiation Detection
- Electrical Engineering (ECE) Track (13 hours)
- ECE 3040 Microelectronic Circuits
- ECE 3400 Analog Electronics OR ECE 3450 Semiconductor Devices
- Two courses from ECE 4350, ECE 4470, ECE 4500, ECE 4751, ECE 4460, ECE 4754, ECE 4755, ECE 4415, ECE 4430, ECE 4502, ECE 4370, ECE 4391, ECE 4452, ECE 4723
I looked at these courses and I won't have the prerequisites for some of them. Will my PHYS courses count as pre-reqs?
Yes! Physics has worked with the NRE and ECE programs to ensure that Applied Physics students can get into these courses by using our own physics courses for the prerequisites.
What about Aerospace Engineering? or Mechanical Engineering? Will there be tracks in these areas as well?
We certainly hope so, but right now we're starting with NRE and ECE. If this is successful, we hope to be able to expand the number of tracks in the future.
Sounds good to me. How do I get started?
These updates will appear in the GT Catalog in May 2026, but if you are a current Applied Physics student and will not be graduating soon, you may still have space in your schedule to pursue one of these tracks. Please make an appointment with the Applied Physics advisor (Dr. Nick Darnton) as soon as possible to plan for how to fit these courses into your schedule.
I'm a high school student and this degree is exactly what I'm looking for in a major in College. Will this be available next Fall?
Yes! This will be the new Applied Physics degree for all students (including transfers) starting in Summer 2026. Please indicate Applied Physics on your application to Georgia Tech.
This is neat and all, but is there a way of completing these Applied Electives without taking one these tracks?
Yes, these engineering tracks are optional for Applied Physics students. You can always complete your Applied Electives using PHYS courses and any of the approved courses listed in the Catalog. This option will remain in the revised degree.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please reach out to both Prof. Ballantyne and Dr. Darnton with questions. For questions regarding changing your major please speak directly to your academic advisor.
