MS Applied Physics at Columbia University

Programme overview

The 30-point MS in Applied Physics emphasises upper-level core physics and offers several applied physics specialties. It serves as advanced education beyond the bachelor's level or as preparation for doctoral study in fusion and plasma physics, laser and optical physics, or solid-state physics.

Faculty: Columbia Engineering | Department: Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics | Duration: 30 points | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Students complete at least four core courses (4000-level or above APPH courses such as Applied Electrodynamics, Physics of Fluids, Plasma Physics and Applied Physics Laboratory) chosen with a faculty adviser, plus electives from applied physics, applied mathematics, materials science, computer science, engineering, physics and mathematics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Columbia Engineering graduate admissions (faculty level): bachelor's degree from an institution of acceptable standing; application with transcripts, three letters of recommendation, personal statement and resume/CV; GRE not required for the 2026 admission cycle and scores not penalised when omitted (Physics GRE is required for the Applied Physics doctoral track; not required for Medical Physics); applicants whose bachelor's degree is from a country other than Australia, Canada, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, the UK or the US submit one English test (TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or Duolingo), with no minimum score set; application fee $85.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Law J.D. entry: fall 2027 class.

J.D. applications for the fall 2027 class open September 15, 2026. The Regular Decision deadline is February 15, 2027 (applications are evaluated on a rolling basis). The Early Decision deadline is November 15, 2026. The application fee is $85, paid through LSAC. GRE or LSAT is accepted.

LL.M. 2027-2028 applications are due December 2, 2026. The application fee is $85, nonrefundable. Executive LL.M. 2027: Early Decision deadline October 1, 2026; Regular deadline December 2, 2026; application fee $85.

Columbia Engineering MS express application (Columbia students and alumni) requires no application fee.

Explore more study programmes

Engineering