Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Physics is the study of the laws of nature, utilizing scientific principles, logic, and a bit of imagination to allow for a more complete understanding of the universe. At Florida Poly, we provide a fundamental understanding of the rules that govern nature, ranging from the quantum mechanical to astrophysical scales.

Curriculum

A bachelor's degree in engineering physics builds on the mathematical and scientific foundation of courses taken during the students’ first two years of study. This degree has four physics core courses (classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electricity and magnetism), and four engineering core courses (statics , materials, engineering thermodynamics, and electrical engineering). All provide insight into differing scientific and engineering perspectives.

Florida Poly’s innovative design sequence sets our degree requirements apart from other universities. Students take a series of courses each semester to prepare them for internships and research, culminating in the senior capstone design, which tasks teams of students to create solutions for real-world industry challenges.

A Degree Customized to Your Interests

This degree program is customizable through its required three engineering electives and two physics electives. Engineering electives provide opportunities to pursue topics primarily in mechanical and electrical engineering, while physics electives can include courses exploring nature on the subatomic and astrophysical scales.

Engineering Physics vs. Mechanical Engineering?

Both degrees rely heavily on a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, resulting in the first three semesters being nearly identical. In Mechanical Engineering, the focus is on preparations to become an engineer. In Engineering Physics, that goal is shared with the intent to prepare you as a scientist.

The Engineering Physics degree is for those generally interested in engineering who also have an interest in science and understanding the rules that govern the universe. Those who are fully focused on becoming a mechanical engineer would be better suited to that degree program.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics can lead to careers in fields such as engineering, finance, academia, information technology, and medicine. In whatever technical field you choose to make your career in, you will be prepared to present yourself professionally and demonstrate your ability to problem solve.

Engineering physics majors can take part in a 4+1 program to speed their journey toward a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. The 4+1 program can allow students to begin taking graduate-level classes during their senior year, allowing them to receive their master’s degree with only one additional year of study. You'll expand on your undergraduate coursework to develop a strong quantitative base that will allow you to take on complex data challenges now and in the future.

Common physicist roles include: research scientists in industry and university professors, engineering-related roles, including aerospace engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, software engineers, and product managers, medical doctors or accelerator operators, data scientists, high school physics teachers, financial analysts, software engineers, IT consultants, data analysts, and many other technical careers.

Job Growth

According to the American Institute of Physics, nearly half of all physics bachelor’s degree recipients go directly into the workforce. Of this group, about two-thirds go into the private sector. Some 35% pursue engineering related careers, and 27% pursue computing related careers.

Salary Ranges

The average engineering physics salary in the United States is currently $117,000 annually, but the salary range typically falls between $70,000 and $110,000.

We're here to give you the resources to land your dream internship, work alongside faculty in groundbreaking research, and to develop leadership skills to stand out in the workplace.

Internship Opportunities

Internships are an important part of setting up you up for success after college and are a requirement for you to graduate.

Research Opportunities

Conduct research along side faculty that is improving lives and changing businesses, with impact ranging from local Lakeland community to the outer-reaches of space.

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Career Development

We understand the importance of feeling prepared, and we are committed to your success here and beyond. That's why we have resources to support you in your continued career development.

Our rigorous Engineering Physics curriculum allows Florida Poly graduates to:

Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.

Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.

Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.

Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Enrollment and graduation data

General Education

Your future as a trusted professional and confident problem solver begins with some essential skills. Your General Education courses give you:

Critical Thinking Skills…so that you can both make and follow a reasoned argument and develop habits of organized thinking and rational analysis.
Communication Skills…so that you can translate thoughts into words (spoken and written) and make the complex simple.
Exposure to Arts/Humanities and Social/Behavioral Sciences … so that you see all problems in their larger human context.
Mathematical Reasoning…so that you find and follow the quantitative thread connecting all scientific inquiry.
Scientific Reasoning…so that you can apply the scientific method to phenomenon big and small.

Major

Your B.S. in Engineering Physics requires 120 credits — typically 15 credits across eight semesters. You will complete 12 general education credits (Arts/Humanities and Social Science).

Plan of Study

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Program Description

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Admissions Requirements

Ready to be a Phoenix? Learn about our admissions requirements.

We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just for fun.

ASTRO Club

The ASTRO Club aims to provide a medium in which students can apply the theoretical knowledge learned in class to physical projects related to space.

SPIE

SPIE welcomes anyone interested in optics, lasers, and optoelectronics. This international society is driven by project-oriented researchers looking to discover new technologies involving electromagnetic radiation.