B.S. in Physics with research in Solar physics

At the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the B.S. in Physics with a research focus in solar physics puts you at the heart of world-leading solar research. You’ll learn by working directly with some of the most advanced solar observatories and research centres in the country, gaining hands-on experience with real solar data, high-resolution telescopes, and cutting-edge instrumentation. From your first year, you’ll have opportunities to join faculty-led research teams, use specialised software, and contribute to discoveries that impact our understanding of the Sun and space weather.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical skills and use our unique facilities:

• Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO): Operated by NJIT’s Centre for Solar-Terrestrial Research, BBSO in California houses the 1.6-meter Goode Solar Telescope (GST)—the world’s second-highest-resolution solar telescope. Students can work with data from GST, participate in research on solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections, and collaborate on projects that support NASA missions and international space science efforts.

• Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVSA): Also managed by NJIT, OVSA is a premier facility for solar radio astronomy. Students gain experience with radio imaging, spectropolarimetry, and advanced data analysis techniques, especially as the array is being expanded for even more powerful observations.

• Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR): CSTR operates not only BBSO and OVSA, but also the Jeffer Observatory in New Jersey and Automated Geophysical Observatories in Antarctica, giving students access to a global network of instruments for studying the Sun and its effects on Earth’s space environment.

• Space Weather Research Laboratory (SWRL): This lab at NJIT is dedicated to understanding and forecasting solar magnetic activity and its influence on Earth, providing students with opportunities to work on real-time space weather prediction and data analysis.

• Advanced Physics Laboratories: On-campus labs are equipped for spectroscopy, laser physics, ultrafast optics, and electronic imaging, supporting both coursework and research in experimental physics.

• Faculty-Led Research Groups: Work alongside award-winning faculty, like Prof. Bin Chen, on NSF- and NASA-funded projects in solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and solar radio astronomy, often leading to co-authored publications and conference presentations.

• Specialised Software and Data Tools: Students use industry-standard software for solar data reduction, image processing, and simulation, gaining technical skills valued in both research and industry.

• Group Projects and Workshops: Collaborate with peers on research projects, instrument development, and workshops hosted by CSTR and BBSO, building teamwork and scientific communication skills.

• National and International Collaborations: NJIT’s solar physics program is deeply involved in global research networks, giving students exposure to international science and opportunities for collaboration.

Graduates of New Jersey Institute of Technology’s B.S. in Physics with research in solar physics are prepared for careers as research scientists, data analysts, and technical specialists in space weather and astrophysics.

Here’s how NJIT supports your career launch:

• Career Services and Support: NJIT’s Career Development Services offers personalised advising, resume workshops, and connects students with internships. The Department of Physics provides faculty mentorship and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge solar physics research, including projects led by Professor Bin Chen, who directs the NSF-funded Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array (EOVSA).

• Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates with physics and solar physics research experience are competitive for roles in academia, government labs, aerospace, and tech companies. National median starting salaries for physics graduates are around $65,000, with growth potential in specialised fields like space weather.

• University–Industry Partnerships: NJIT collaborates with NASA, NSF, and other agencies through the Centre for Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR), which operates facilities like the Big Bear Solar Observatory and Owens Valley Solar Array. Students participate in NSF-funded REU programs in solar and space weather sciences, gaining hands-on experience with world-class instruments.

• Long-term Accreditation Value: NJIT is a fully accredited public research university known for strong STEM programs. Its physics department is nationally recognised for applied physics and astrophysics research, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates gain a solid foundation in physics and observational astronomy, complemented by specialised solar physics research on phenomena like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. They are well-prepared for graduate study or careers in research, instrumentation, and space weather forecasting.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your B.S. in Applied Physics with solar physics research at NJIT, you’ll be prepared to pursue master’s programs in astrophysics, space sciences, or applied physics, opening doors to advanced research, university teaching, or technical leadership roles at observatories, research centers, and space agencies.