Engineering Physics
Overview
It might seem like engineering physics is someone鈥檚 idea of a cruel joke鈥攃ombining two of the toughest majors into one. But no pain, no gain, my friend! And gains in this field come in the form of a wide blanket of job opportunities and鈥攊f you play your cards right鈥攁 pretty nice-looking starting salary. Engineering physics majors blend courses from engineering, physics, and math to build an understanding of how these areas interact and support each other. You鈥檒l boost your knowledge of the physical environment while discovering how physics is applied to problem-solving in our rapidly changing high-tech world.
You were the kid who took first prize at the science fair? You secretly liked helping friends with their math homework? Perfect. As an engineering physics major, you鈥檒l study the fundamentals and intricacies of both engineering and physics, including electricity, magnetism, statics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. Want more? Some programs include research in space science, superconductivity, optical materials, and nuclear engineering. You鈥檒l also take courses in calculus and differential equations. Laboratory work will teach you how to use experimental techniques and will give you hands-on experience with high-tech equipment.
An engineering physics major comes in handy for a range of job opportunities, including positions in research and development (鈥淩&D鈥) at high-technology industries as well as jobs in national laboratories and universities. Further career development may lead to a position as staff engineer, scientist, or technical director.
SAMPLE CURRICULUM
Calculus
Chemistry of Materials
Circuits and Instrumentation
Differential Equations
Electricity and Magnetism
Engineering Graphics and Programming
Fields and Waves
Fluid Dynamics
Heat and Thermodynamics
Physical and Solid State Electronics
Physics
Solid State and Digital Electronics
Statics and Strength of Materials
Statistical Mechanics
Vector Analysis for Engineers
HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION
If you鈥檙e thinking of majoring in engineering physics, you must like science鈥攚hich is a good thing, because you鈥檒l need to take a lot of it in high school to prepare for your college studies. Take courses in physics, chemistry, biology, calculus, and any other math and science courses you can, taking advanced-level classes if they鈥檙e offered. Scientists must also be good communicators, so be sure to take English, foreign language, and other humanities courses that will help you strengthen your reading, writing, and speaking skills.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS & CAREERS
Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.
Top Schools for Game Design
Ready to create the next great app? Launch your gaming career at one of these top 50 programs.
Best 389 Colleges
165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.
Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.