I'm a senior undergraduate physics student currently working on grad school applications. My primary research interest is in quantum information science; more specifically, investigating the implementation challenges that limit the reliable operation of quantum systems and developing approaches to overcome them. My undergraduate thesis is currently exploring how photonic qubits behave as they transmit through lossy media.
One of the schools I'm applying to is Northwestern University, and they have both a Physics PhD program and an Applied Physics PhD program. Recently, I had a chance to speak with one of the professors there, and he suggested I consider applying to the Applied Physics PhD program instead of the pure Physics PhD program because my interests seemed more aligned with Applied Physics. However, I enjoy learning about the fundamental principles of physics just as much as I enjoy exploring how those principles can be applied to solve practical problems. I'm pretty certain I don't want to do theoretical physics at all, so if I did the Physics PhD, I would be on the experimental side.
After comparing the two programs, Applied Physics seems to offer more specialized coursework relevant to my interests, whereas Physics provides more extensive training on foundational physics concepts. The Physics program also seems to offer more flexibility when selecting research advisors and has a different qualifying examination structure. My main concern is whether choosing Applied Physics would limit my future research or career opportunities. From the employment outcomes provided by the university, both programs seem to prepare graduates for careers in academia, national laboratories, and industry, but numbers only reveal so much.
For those who have experience with either type of program, how significant is the distinction in reality? Are there other considerations I should be weighing before deciding? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.