Engineering Physics
Overview
Engineering physics programs prepare people to use physics to solve engineering problems.Programs in engineering physics include topics such as:
- High- and low-temperature phenomena
- Effect of heat and cold on materials
- Superconductivity
- Applied thermodynamics
- Space science research
- Semi-conductor physics
- Laser physics
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in engineering physics. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Some colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in engineering physics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in engineering physics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Technology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Engineering
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computational Mathematics
- Construction Engineering
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Technology, General
- Engineering, General
- Laser and Optical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Technology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Physics
- Polymer and Plastics Engineering
- Pre-Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation and Highway Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Aerospace Engineers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Chemical Engineers
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Energy Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Nuclear Engineers
- Photonics Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in engineering (or a significant amount of course work in engineering and physics), good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Dynamics
- Electromagnetic Fields
- Electronic Circuits
- Electronic Instrumentation
- Electro-optical Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Fluid Dynamics
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Linear Differential Equations
- Properties of Materials
- Quantum Physics
- Senior Design Project
- Statistics
- Thermodynamics
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in this field typically includes:
- Required courses
- Master's thesis (which usually takes the form of a significant project)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.
In order to become licensed by your state to work as an engineer, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Physics--Instrumentation Physics
Tacoma Area
Pacific Lutheran University
- Engineering Dual Degree Program