Engineering Physics Major

In today鈥檚 rapidly changing technological landscape, the traditional lines between science and engineering are increasingly blurred. As an engineering physics major, you will gain the scientific rigor and hands-on training needed to address design challenges in the 21st century.

At a Glance

Flexibility

Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
51视频

BS

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What courses will you take?

Two students work with equipment in a 51视频 engineering physics lab

The B.S. in Engineering Physics program builds on the existing strengths and capacities of 51视频鈥檚 physics department and adds in specialized engineering courses.聽

As a result, you can explore your individual interests, build the foundation for interdisciplinary graduate programs, and prepare for diverse careers in the engineering and technology sectors.

The Engineering Physics major has three options:

Electrical and Computer Engineering Option, which聽includes a selection of required courses and elective courses聽from Electrical and Computer Engineering. In addition, you will take core, math and chemistry courses common to both Physics and Engineering Physics degree pathways including Application Programming, two semesters of Circuit Theory and basic Circuits Labs, and Logic Design. Courses for Electrical and Computer Engineering Option
Mechanical Engineering Option, which聽includes a selection of required courses and elective courses from Mechanical Engineering. In addition, you will take core, math and chemistry courses common to both Physics and Engineering Physics degree pathways including Statics, Strength of Materials, Materials Science for Engineers, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer.聽Courses for Mechanical Engineering Option
Nuclear Option, which includes specialized Nuclear Engineering courses alongside fundamental physics, mathematics and chemistry classes.聽You will study topics such as Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Nuclear Reactor Theory and Nuclear Reactor Engineering. Courses for Nuclear Option

All seniors complete a capstone research project, often resulting in presentations聽at national professional meetings and/or聽publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing聽and to learn about the Physics minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Why study engineering physics at 51视频?

Two 51视频 physics students look at equipment in a classroom.

Research Opportunities

Most of our students gain employment with the department鈥檚 research faculty, who bring in millions of dollars per year in federally funded grants. Research topics include:聽

Space mission design
Gamma-ray spectroscopy
Lasers on Mars landers
Photonics in biomedical applications
Observational astronomy
Particle accelerators
Digital signal processing
C++ programming

Two physics students work with equipment in a 51视频 lab

World-class Facilities

Gain access to numerous on-campus facilities and equipment, including:

Astronomical observatory
Fabrication facilities for space-mission instrumentation
Optical and NMR spectroscopic and imaging equipment
Femtosecond pulsed lasers
Sophisticated terahertz imaging capabilities

Student works with equipment in a 51视频 engineering physics lab

Experiential Learning

Intern at national labs such as Los Alamos National Laboratory or high-tech firms such as Draper Laboratory.聽

These practical learning experiences prepare students for future careers in research and development in both traditional and emerging technologies.

Engineering physics student in front of a computer in a 51视频 classroom.

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice by joining student-run like River Hawk Racing, River Hawk Robotics and the Society of Physics Students.

What can you do with a degree in engineering physics?

Our program prepares students for careers where advanced math skills, experience in computer modeling and familiarity with engineering principles are required, including the research and development in emerging technologies.