The Basics of a Bachelors of Science in Engineering Physics Degree Program
A Bachelors of Science in Engineering Physics is one of the newest courses that many colleges and universities have started offering. The undergraduate program takes four years to complete and the curriculum basically focuses on helping students master how to answer modern engineering questions using physics and how to answer modern physics questions using engineering. This is possible because both fields are actually closely related to each other.
What is the difference between Engineering Physics and other majors in Engineering?
The most notable difference in the curriculum of Bachelors of Science in Engineering Physics and other engineering majors is the fact that the former tackles up to the most advanced Physics courses. Hence, the students are likely to know as much about Physics as those who are taking up a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree. The students would tackle about quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics which are both highly advanced areas of physics. This is so much different from other kinds of engineering majors where students only get to study the basics of physics.
Physics engineers work primarily in laboratories as opposed to the other types of engineers who work in the field such as in the construction site of a project. They can also find employment in the government, the public, and the private sectors of society. The degree program also equips the graduates with the necessary qualifications to be able to pursue advancements in Physics such as master of physics or doctor of physics.
What are some of the practical differences for a student pursuing Engineering Physics rather than Physics?
Engineering Physics students are required to complete at least 105 units as opposed to the only 80 units of Physics majors because the former needs to take up two sets of advanced classes: one in physics and one in engineering. If in the middle of the program a student finds it difficult to handle the huge loads he can shift into a purely Physics major or a purely Engineering major without any hassle or worries. The program is concerned with both the theoretical and experimental aspects of Physics since research would be the primary function of the graduates when they decide to practice what they have learned.
What can I do with a degree in Engineering Physics?
The program can be very gruelling especially since most of the time the bachelor needs to upgrade his competence with a master’s degree before he is able to find suitable employment. The rewards however are well worth it since you will enjoy the potential of earning double or even triple the amounts earned by the other engineers. You are likely to work in a laboratory tinkering about different things related to science and technology with the hope of coming up with new innovations that will greatly help the industry you are working at as well as mankind in general. Common areas where graduates of the program can find employment are:
- Biophysics
- Energy
- Energy Policy
- Government
- History of Science
- Law
- Management in Technical Fields
- Materials and Development
- Medical Physics
- Medicine
- Philosophy of Science
- Quantum Information Science
- Science Policy
- Science Writing
- Semiconductors
- Systems Engineering
- Teaching
- Transportation
The possibilities are endless and you can take almost any career path because of the advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills the program will inculcate into you. You will be armed with both a strong quantitative background and advanced analytical foundations.
