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Engineering Physics major

Students who complete the Engineering Physics program will earn a B.S. in Engineering Physics from the College of Engineering. The physics and math requirements for this program are similar to those of the B.S. in Physics, but in addition to those requirements, students take 27 credit hours of engineering courses. The engineering courses a student takes will come from one area of engineering, known as the Engineering Physics concentration. Students who complete this program have the opportunity to enter full-time employment as a scientist or engineer or pursue an advanced degree in physics, engineering, or math.

Requirements for a B.S. in Engineering Physics

Any questions regarding the Engineering Physics program can be directed toward the Engineering Physics advisor.

Enrolling in the Engineering Physics Pre-Major

OSU students who are currently in the College of Engineering can enroll in the Engineering Physics pre-major (from a different Engineering major or pre-major) by emailing the Engineering Physics advisor.

OSU students who are not yet enrolled in the College of Engineering and want to enroll in the Engineering Physics pre-major program should email the Engineering Physics advisor to request information about enrolling in the College of Engineering as a pre-major student. 

More information about changing into the College of Engineering, including deadlines and eligibility, can be found at Change to Engineering Pre-Major.

  • have a 2.5 or better cumulative OSU GPA
  • have earned 12 hours or more of graded OSU credit (excluding terms of enrollment through post-secondary enrollment programs such as Academy)
  • have completed Calculus II (Math 1172 or 1152); or direct equivalent transfer or EM credit for Math 1152 or higher
  • have credit for one of the following: Chemistry 1210, Chemistry 1250, or Physics 1250


Enrolling in the Engineering Physics Major

The College of Engineering has implemented a new admit-to-major process effective spring 2021. In order to apply to Engineering Physics, students must:

  • Be enrolled in the College of Engineering as a pre-major
  • Have an overall OSU GPA of a 2.0 or higher
  • Have credit for the following by the end of the semester in which they are applying
    •  ENGR 1181 and 1182 (or ENGR 1281H and 1282H)
    • PHYSICS 1250 or 1260
    • PHYSICS 1251 or 1261
    • MATH 1151 or 1161 or 1181H
    • MATH 1172 or 1152 or 2162 or 2182H 
Application deadlines and additional information can be found at advising.engineering.osu.edu/current-students/applying-your-major
 

Engineering Physics Program Educational Objectives

Alumni of the Engineering Physics Program will:

  • Use their Engineering foundation and their understanding of the fundamental areas of physics (classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics), experimental physics, data reduction, error analysis, and computing to succeed in:
    • Technical careers in industry, academia, or government.
    • Careers involving engineering or scientific practice, research and development, management, or service
    • Nontechnical careers in areas such as law, medicine, business, public policy, secondary education, service industries, etc.
    • Careers involving management or entrepreneurship
    • Graduate school in physics or engineering
  • Effectively communicate opportunities and solutions to technical and nontechnical communities
  • Use lifelong learning skills to take advantage of professional development opportunities in their disciplines and develop new knowledge and skills and pursue areas of expertise or interests.

Engineering Physics Student Outcomes

We expect the following from Engineering Physics students upon their graduation:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economics, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
(d) An ability to function on a multidisciplinary team.
(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
(g) An ability to communicate effectively.
(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.