Published:
Physics majors at Adelphi no longer just solve problems on a whiteboard—they build their own solutions from scratch.
Physics
Gain the tools, training and experience you need to launch a successful career in many different science and technology fields.
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Physics?
With a focus on problem-solving and analytical thinking, physics gives you a truly 21st-century skill set. Our physics students have gone on to become successful engineers (civil, biomedical, electrical or mechanical), researchers, computational scientists and teachers.
Why Major in Physics at Adelphi?
- Receive one-on-one attention in small classes from exceptional professors who are committed to your success.
- Conduct research in cutting-edge facilities on campus and present your findings at conferences nationwide.
- Tailor your degree to your interests and goals, then graduate prepared to chart your own unique career path.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Physics?
With a focus on problem solving and analytical thinking, physics gives you a truly 21st-century skill set. Our physics students have gone on to become successful engineers (civil, biomedical, electrical or mechanical), researchers, computational scientists and teachers.
This program is STEM-designated offering specialized training in high-demand fields and eligible international students can extend their OPT to 36 months.
Starting from day one, I knew I’d found a family in the physics department at Adelphi. The professors were invested in seeing us succeed and helped us customize our program of study. Being able to fulfill my dual passions for physics and athletics made my Adelphi experience one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
Jose Velasquez ’18
BS in Physics
Published:
The brainchild of physics department chair Matthew Wright, PhD, the inaugural Cosmic Pathways conference explored the many directions a physics degree can take students.
Minor & Joint Degree Options
Minor in Physics
The minor in physics is designed to provide a solid foundation in introductory physics and elective courses, chosen in consultation with an adviser, to broaden your foundation in related technical fields. The minor in physics is an especially relevant complement for students majoring in Adelphi’s math, computer science, chemistry and biology programs.
Joint Degree Options
Physics majors at Adelphi have the opportunity to accelerate their path to a rewarding professional career by completing a joint degree in engineering.
Published:
Adelphi’s eighth consecutive winner of an Inspiring Programs in STEM Award provides scholarships, mentoring, internships and career preparation for high-achieving, low-income students from local schools majoring in STEM fields.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Adelphi students have many opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom and forge valuable professional connections. Our students participate in internship opportunities at leading universities and national laboratories, including Brookhaven National Lab, where our students regularly hold internship positions investigating scientific puzzles like renewable fuels and subatomic particles.
We also facilitate opportunities with some of our Industrial Board members, including:
- American Institute of Physics Publishing
- Brookhaven National Lab
- Innoveering
- NYU Winthrop
- Photonics Industries International
- Thorlabs
Students will also have the opportunity to apply for the Horace McDonell Fellowship, a paid internship that allows students to do summer research with an Adelphi faculty mentor.
An Adelphi student and associate professor Matthew Wright, PhD solving physics equations together.
State-of-the-Art Technology
As a student in Adelphi’s Department of Physics, you’ll gain access to a range of state-of-the-art labs and equipment to advance your learning.
- Quantum and nonlinear optics laboratory
- Large holography and laser optics laboratory with a one-meter spectrometer
- Trace gas analysis research laboratory
- Light instructional laboratory
- Modern physics instructional laboratory
- Electronics instructional laboratory
- First-year physics computerized instructional laboratory
- Student computer lab
- Laser cooling and trapping laboratory
- Student computer lab
- Machine shop with a Bridgeport milling machine, lathe, drill presses, power saws and other machining equipment
- More than 10 optical tables
- Extensive computerized instructional experiments
- A variety of lasers, including argon ion, titanium:sapphire, various diode, dye, He:Ne and krypton ion
- Precision optics
- Ultra-high vacuum systems
Adelphi’s observatory, located on the roof of Blodgett Hall, features a Meade 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with a GPS alignment and tracking mechanism that can automatically align and focus on more than 145,000 celestial objects.
Program Info
Application Requirements
To apply for this program, submit the appropriate application requirements:
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:
- The Honors College – fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- Levermore Global Scholars – preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- Study Abroad – providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
Awards & Recognition
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi earned national recognition in the 2026 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings for its strong student outcomes. The University ranked highly in social mobility and best salaries, reflecting the lifetime return on investment it provides to students.
Ranked one of the best
Insight Into Academia
Adelphi has won a 2025 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award for its innovative program offering scholarships, mentorships and paid summer research opportunities to local high school students who intend to major in STEM fields at the University.
Our STEM Programs
Niche
Niche.com ranks Adelphi University in the top 8% of Best Value Colleges in America, the top 10% of Best College Locations in America, and the top 18% of Best Colleges for Nursing in America.
Ranked a Top College
Forbes
For the third consecutive year, Adelphi University has been recognized as the highest-ranked private university on Long Island on Forbes’ 2026 America’s Top Colleges list.
Adelphi’s Ranking
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for eight consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
Celebrate Our Rise
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi is recognized as a Career Development College of Distinction for the exceptional way that we equip students with skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Colleges of Distinction: International
Adelphi is recognized as a College of Distinction for the exceptional support services we provide international students at every stage of their academic journey.
Top Ranked in Global Belonging
Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education ranks Adelphi in the top 8 percent of four-year universities in the United States and as one of the best universities in the world.
Global Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Great Teaching
Adelphi is recognized as a College of Distinction with engaged faculty members who provide students with feedback and encouragement and help students learn to think for themselves.
Dedicated Faculty
Location
Blodgett Hall 002A
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
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