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.

Announcements

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.  

Trevor David Rhone, Assistant Professor, Physics, Applied Phyics and Astronomy, is recipient of the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER). 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's physics program has also been ranked 2 out of 23 in the state of New York. This means the physics program at RPI is in the top 5 in New York. See the full ranking of physics programs in New York.

News

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) will hold its 24th annual Black Families Technology Awareness Day on Saturday, February 4. The event, free and open to the public, is designed to introduce historically underrepresented students in grades K-12, their families, and educators to educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Any student who applies to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as an undergraduate in the fall of 2021 or the spring of 2022 will be able to choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Since the late 19th century, scientists have understood that, when heated, all materials emit light in a predictable spectrum of wavelengths. Research published today in Nature Scientific Reports presents a material that emits light when heated that appears to exceed the limits set by that natural law.

During the 213th Commencement Ceremony at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the nation’s oldest technological university, the Honorable John P. Holdren urged the Class of 2019 to become emissaries “on the relevance of science and technology to the biggest issues affecting human well‐being.”

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Board of Trustees member Jeffrey L. Kodosky, a member of the Rensselaer Class of 1970, has been named to the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF). The announcement was made Jan. 8 at the CES 2019 annual conference in Las Vegas.

Contact Information

Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy

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

(518) 276-6310