Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Physics
Get a competitive edge in the job market with an internship in a research laboratory or local technology firm.
Combine physics and engineering to solve real-world problems and create breakthrough solutions.
Applied Physics Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Applied Physics Major
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Spring Open House
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
from 1:00 pm
to 4:00 pm
At our Spring Open House, you'll attend academic breakout sessions, connect with members of our community, and take a tour of our beautiful New England campus.
The Applied Physics Major
The applied physics major at Merrimack is designed to give you the best of both physics and engineering, enabling you to enter a more diverse job market and empowering you with skills from each discipline.
What You'll Study
Embrace a major that connects two different disciplines while teaching you the basic fundamental rules behind physics and engineering principles.
Quantum Physics
Analytical Mechanics
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Calculus
Differential Equations
Skills You'll Learn
This program helps you build a one-of-a-kind mix of knowledge and real-world skills, setting you up for success in grad school or a variety of careers right after graduation.
Problem Solving
Technical Communication
Experimental Design
Computational Skills
Applied Physics Courses You'll Take
Dynamics
and Vibrations
MEN 3014
This course provides the fundamentals required to analyze moving rigid bodies. Topics include kinematics, kinetics, general methods of linear and angular momentum, central force motion, generalized coordinates, Lagrange’s equations, and vibrations of one degree of freedom systems.
Fluid
Mechanics
GEN 3040
Gain a fundamental understanding of fluid statics, principles of one-dimensional incompressible flow, derivation and applications of the continuity, energy and momentum equations. Learn about viscous flow, flow in pipe lines and open channels as well as fluid measurements and more.
Electromagnetic
Theory
PHY 3345
This course focuses on the development and application of the integral and differential forms of Maxwell’s equations. Topics typically include vector calculus, electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum, Laplace’s equation and related boundary value problems and more.
See All Courses & Options Available to Applied Physics Majors
Applied Physics Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics?
The skills you’ll learn as an applied physics major are highly versatile and prepare you for a wide range of careers in tech, engineering and research!
LIFELONG SKILLS
The skills you gain from our applied physics major sets you up for success in the job market by providing you with a blend of applicable life skills.
UNLIMITED OPTIONS
Your career path can be as unique as you want it to be - whether you choose to pursue engineering, physics or a mix of both.
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
You'll be at the center of two exciting disciplines, learning about all their advancements first hand!
Career Outlook: Where Can an Applied Physics Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Applied Physics Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in any related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Data Scientist
- Mechanical Engineer
- Consultant
- Product Developer
- Software Developer
- Materials Scientist
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Applied Physics Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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