Applied Physics


The Physics Department is a community of faculty, students, and industrial sponsors striving for excellence in physics education supporting two unique work integrated Physics co-op degree programs, the science education needs of the university, and a knowledge based economy.

As the nation’s only fully co-op undergraduate physics program, Kettering’s Applied Physics major prepares students for amazing careers with

Assistant Professor of Applied Physics, Yuri Sikorski
  • early and continuous professional experience through our co-op education program, which offers so much more than a typical internship or part-time job;
  • more than two years of hands-on work experience solving real problems at places like NASA, Harley Davidson and Argonne National Laboratory;
  • experience working in our exceptional, advanced laboratories—using equipment you wouldn’t be allowed to touch in most undergraduate programs; and
  • small classes in modern classrooms, with faculty who know how to take on complex problems and come up with doable, effective, and sometimes surprising solutions.

The Applied Physics degree program is a unique integration of a rigorous curriculum with meaningful co-op work experience and emphasis on applied areas of acoustics, optics, and materials, a strong background in mathematics, and computational techniques. Graduates will emerge prepared for success in graduate school or technical careers.

Three concentrations are available:

Students not majoring in Applied Physics may minor in Acoustics, Applied Optics, Material Science, Physics. Physics majors may pursue a dual degree in a number of options —a choice that will enhance your marketability in the real world.

A major in Engineering Physics is also available.