CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme combines the standard core physics curriculum with targeted modules in nuclear and particle physics. You will cover foundational subjects such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, wave physics and thermodynamics, and then progress to quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Parallel laboratory courses develop practical experimental skills, data analysis and error analysis.

• Core courses: Calculus-based physics sequence, intermediate and advanced quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, statistical mechanics, mathematical methods for physicists.
• Laboratory and computational training: Introductory and advanced physics labs, electronics for physicists, computational physics and numerical methods, data analysis and Monte Carlo techniques.
• Nuclear and particle specialisms: Nuclear physics (nuclear structure and reactions), particle physics (standard model, symmetries and interactions), detectors and instrumentation (particle detectors, accelerator physics basics), radiation physics and safety.
• Research and capstone options: Senior research project or honours thesis supervised by faculty, participation in experimental collaborations, seminars in current topics and opportunities for summer research placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma with strong achievement in mathematics and physics. Typical preparation includes one or more years of calculus and a year of high school physics; preparation in chemistry and computer science is beneficial. CUNY considers applicants holistically, including academic record, recommendations and personal statement. International applicants should present the equivalent academic qualifications and meet the university's English language requirements.

Transfer students from community colleges or other universities are welcome; successful transfer applicants typically have completed introductory calculus and physics sequences and demonstrate readiness for intermediate-level coursework. Specific campus-based honours or concentration tracks may have additional selection criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Physics specialising in Nuclear and Particle Physics move into a broad range of fields. Many continue to postgraduate study (PhD or master's) in nuclear/particle physics, accelerator science, astrophysics or related disciplines. Others apply their analytical and technical skills in careers including:

• Research positions at national laboratories and accelerator facilities
• Medical physics and radiation technology (often following additional professional training)
• Data science, software development and quantitative analysis in finance and industry
• Engineering roles involving instrumentation, electronics and control systems
• Science education, outreach and technical writing

Hands-on laboratory experience, programming competence and research projects undertaken during the degree strengthen employability and preparedness for graduate study.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers a diverse, research-active environment located in New York City, with access to a wide range of experimental facilities and collaborative networks. Physics students benefit from faculty engaged in both experimental and theoretical nuclear and particle physics, opportunities to join ongoing research projects, and connections to regional national laboratories and accelerator centres for internships and summer placements.

The university emphasises affordability, accessibility and applied training: undergraduates can gain hands-on experience in well-equipped teaching and research laboratories, take computational and instrumentation courses, and build professional networks through seminars and outreach in the metropolitan research community. These strengths make CUNY a strong choice for students aiming for careers in research, technology or further professional study in nuclear and particle physics.