Programs

Applied Physical Sciences PhD

The Applied Physical Sciences PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an interdisciplinary doctoral training experience. It bridges the gap between science and engineering, fostering an environment where students combine scientific discovery with an engineering mindset, team-based research, and entrepreneurial thinking to tackle real-world challenges. The program emphasizes a collaborative and collegial atmosphere to support students in their research and career aspirations. Faculty research interests are diverse, spanning areas such as biomolecular sensors, point-of-care diagnostics, novel tools for clinical needs, advanced optical instrumentation for biology and medicine, and force technologies applied to cancer and lung disease research.