Engineering Physics
Degree: Bachelor of Science
What is Engineering Physics?
Because physics is fundamental to many engineering disciplines, this science can be a good foundation for a career in an engineering area. Offered through the College of Arts and Science, this major prepares students for employment in technical fields or entry into professional engineering programs at the undergraduate or graduate level.
What are the features of Miami's program?
Faculty-student research: This is the scientific research of discovery with an emphasis on experimental programs. Laboratories are state-of-the-art, and students are encouraged to work with faculty on real research problems.
Small class sizes: Our classes are typically small, consisting of approximately 25 students per class, even in introductory physics courses. Miami believes that a low instructor-to-student ratio is important in enhancing the learning process and also allows for a close working relationship between faculty and students in the laboratory.
Top-notch facilities: Your laboratory experience will include digital and analog electronics and the application of computers in lab experiments. Our physics department is recognized as a national leader in incorporating computers into the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, you can become familiar with machine tools under the supervision of a full-time, professional instrument-maker.
Work Experience: For our engineering physics students, summer internships are available at other universities and national laboratories. Examples include the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Argonne National Laboratory. Often these positions are in national competition, and Miami students are successful in obtaining them.
The "3-2" program: If you are interested in receiving both a Miami degree in engineering physics and a degree in engineering from another college or university, Miami offers a program that enables you to do this in five years. This is called the "3-2" program because you complete three years at Miami and two years at another school.
A "3-2" program is usually a cooperative arrangement with Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland), Columbia University (New York), or Washington University (St. Louis). After completing three years at Miami with at least a 3.0 grade point average, you are guaranteed admission at one of these universities and can finish an engineering degree there, earning in five years both a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami and an engineering degree from the second school. The "3-2" program is possible with other engineering schools of your choosing as well. While other schools do not offer guaranteed admission, Miami students usually gain acceptance to them without any problems.
Are there special admission requirements?
There are no additional admission requirements for this program.
What kind of courses would I take?
Miami's program in engineering physics combines a rigorous technical background with flexibility in course selection so you may emphasize your own special areas of interest. You will cover the basic aspects of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum theory, and modern physics, plus elements of mathematical and computational physics. Advanced courses include mechanics, electrodynamics, optics and laser physics, thermal physics, materials physics, electronics,, and spectroscopy.
What kind of jobs can I get with an Engineering Physics degree?
About 60 percent of our graduates go on to graduate school in engineering or other fields, or other professional schools. The engineering physics degree is a flexible one, and students can pursue, for example, a master's degree in electrical or biomedical engineering. Some of our students go on to business, law, or medical school.
For those of you pursuing another degree beyond the bachelor's, the engineering physics program is designed to allow you time to study your particular area of interest while completing the requirements for your B.S. degree in a minimum amount of time.
Many of our students compete successfully for assistantships and fellowships after graduating from Miami. Other graduates, whether they choose to enter the work force directly after school or to pursue additional degrees, get jobs in industry with scientists, mathematicians, and graduates of other scientific and technological fields.
Students who graduate from the "3-2" program receive an accredited engineering degree, and upon completion of the required examinations, become professional engineers in their chosen specialty.
Who can I contact for more information?
For general information about Miami University, please contact:
Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo
For specific information on the Engineering Physics major, please contact:
Department of Physics
133 Culler Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-5625
www.muohio.edu/physics
