Based on the growing need for engineers in the labor market and high interest among Carolina students for this major, we anticipate demand for the bachelor’s degree in applied sciences to exceed capacity. In order to provide students with a high-quality educational experience, we will need to restrict the number of undergraduate students majoring in applied sciences. If you wish to pursue the major, you will need to submit an application to the Department of Applied Physical Sciences for admission. At this time, the major will only be available to students who plan to graduate in spring 2028 or later.

When to apply

There will be two application deadlines:

Prerequisite/corequisite courses

First-year students will need to complete the following prerequisite or corequisite math and science courses during or before the semester that they apply for admission. These courses are similar to what students take for other STEM majors in the first year:

How to apply

Students will apply via a standard application that requests biographical information and an essay. The admissions committee will also seek academic records through the close of the semester, course data from required departmental courses, and any other information available on your contributions to the University community.
The application process will be managed through the University-administered Slate system.

To apply for admission to the program, complete the following steps:

1. Apply for a Major/Minor Change in ConnectCarolina.

• Log in to Connect Carolina and go to the Student Center.
• Click on the “other academic…” dropdown menu and select “Apply for Major/Minor Change.”
• Select the major (Applied Sciences) and Term (2025 Spring) and submit the request.

2. Receive your online application link. After submitting your Major/Minor Change request, you will receive an email within 24 hours with a link to the online application site, as well as a username and PIN to log in.

• Please note that emails are only sent Monday-Friday. If you apply for a Major/Minor Change on a weekend, please expect to receive your email on Monday morning.
• If you cannot find the email, first check your spam folder.

If you do NOT receive the email, please contact apsssm@unc.edu

3. Complete the online application with essay. The online application has multiple sections, including:

• Applicant information
• Application Essay (see “Essay Guidelines” below)
• Certification
• Application status review

Essay prompt:

Decisions

A decision letter will be emailed once the committee has finished the review process. The letter will include details about recommended courses and what further steps must be taken before the start of the next semester.

If you are admitted into the program, you must accept your invitation by the date indicated on the decision letter in order to secure your place in the program.

Transfer Student Admissions

If you are applying to UNC as a transfer student, you cannot simultaneously apply to the BS in Applied Sciences major. If you are admitted to UNC, you must first enroll at the university. Then you may apply to the program after starting your first semester at UNC and completing the pre- and co-requisites. Admission to UNC does not guarantee admission to the applied sciences program.

Review committee

The Applied Sciences Undergraduate Program Admissions Committee will be chaired by an applied physical sciences faculty member. Members of the committee may include faculty, staff, and graduate students.

Review

As the admissions committee reviews applications, it will consider the strength of the applicants’ coursework to date, alongside their essays, extracurricular activities/special talents, potential contributions to the applied sciences and engineering community, and any special circumstances. The goal will be to consider each applicant as a whole individual, not merely as a class rank or GPA, and assess their potential to contribute to the program and its mission.