Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy at Rensselaer

Physics is the source of new concepts about the nature of the universe and is a driving force for new technologies. The fundamental physics research of one generation often leads to the applied physics and technology of the next.

  • Program Spotlight

    B.S. in Physics

    A solid foundation in fundamental theoretical and experimental scientific principles.

  • Program Spotlight

    Concentration in Computational Physics

    An excellent opportunity for students to use Rensselaer’s world-class supercomputing center, which operates an 80,000 CPU Blue Gene Q supercomputer and a Watson machine.

  • Program Spotlight

    Ph.D in Physics

    While the usual program of a graduate student is a highly specialized one compared to most undergraduate programs, substantial opportunities exist, both in principle and in practice, for students to undertake programs of study and research which span one or more fields.

  • We stand for the acceptance of all, and pledge to fight discrimination of underrepresented groups, regardless of their background.

  • Visit the Hirsch Observatory and observe the stars, the planets, and more...
  • Our faculty and students' scholarly achievements are reflected by the awards they have received from a variety of organizations.

  • A community of women who seek to support each other through mentoring, workshops, and community building events.

  • An On-campus organization catering to both undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in physics.

Announcements

Humberto Terrones, Rayleigh Endowed Chair Professor in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, is as passionate about community outreach as he is about science. “Sometimes, it takes a very small thing to inspire someone to become a scientist,” said Terrones. “You never know what will spark a child’s imagination!” "Get Inspired"

The School of Science is excited to announce our 2023 Commencement Brunch for all of our School of Science graduates, both undergrad and graduate school! The brunch will be Friday, May 19th from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. Students and their families will be seated with their department and surrounded by faculty and other graduates. Attendees can also expect a brief welcome from the School of Science Dean, Curt Breneman, followed by our departmental award ceremony.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Humberto Terrones Maldonado, Rayleigh Endowed Chair Professor of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy, has been named one of the most highly cited researchers of 2022 by Clarivate. The distinction applies to only one in 1,000 researchers.

AIP and the National Society of Black Physicists have awarded Trevor Rhone the 2022 Joseph A. Johnson III Award for Excellence.

New technique produces lens for focused image or spectrum.  

News

Today, it was announced that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will become the first university in the world to house an IBM Quantum System One. The IBM quantum computer, intended to be operational by January of 2024, will serve as the foundation of a new IBM Quantum Computational Center in partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). By partnering, RPI’s vision is to greatly enhance the educational experiences and research capabilities of students and researchers at RPI and other institutions, propel the Capital Region into a top location for talent, and accelerate New York's growth as a technology epicenter.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Martin A. Schmidt ’81 presided over the 217th Commencement Ceremony, his first as president. During the ceremony, which was held at the East Campus Athletic Village, Rensselaer awarded a total of 1,988 degrees — 152 doctoral degrees, 390 master’s degrees, and 1,446 bachelor’s degrees — to 1,957 students, some of whom earned multiple degrees. Approximately 1,500 students attended the ceremony.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on May 20, 2023, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will award a total of 1,988 degrees — 152 doctoral degrees, 390 master’s degrees, and 1,446 bachelor’s degrees — to 1,957 students, some of whom have earned multiple degrees. Approximately 1,500 students will attend the ceremony.

Contact Information

Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy

Jonsson Rowland Science Center, Room 1C25
110 8th Street
Troy, NY 12180

(518) 276-6310