The applied physics program is offered jointly by the physics departments of the School of Arts and Sciences–Newark (SASN) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). It is designed to provide students with a broad background in physics and, at the same time, to relate that background to work in many high-technology industries, such as microelectronics, laser technology, and systems design/control.

The program also prepares students for graduate studies in applied physics or, with some additional courses for specific requirements, in engineering or computer science.