Engineering Physics, Systems Integration and Automation, B.S.
The engineering physics, systems integration and automation major combines a rich foundation in traditional physics study with a curriculum designed to support your professional and academic goals regarding engineering-related fields.
The program gives you the perfect combination of knowledge gained through rigorous classroom work with fun, experiential learning opportunities to put you at the front of the line for cutting-edge careers or prepare you for graduate school at the best universities in the country.
Students in LR’s engineering physics program have attended graduate school and been accepted into Ph.D. programs at UCLA, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech and Clemson, while others have interned at NASA and for the Aerospace Corporation and gone on to work for Rolls Royce Corporation and for Lockheed Martin working in aerospace, arms and defense.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.S. in Engineering Physics degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
In addition to these two engineering physics majors, LR also offers courses in earth science and astronomy. Minors are available in earth science and engineering physics.
Physics is also an essential component, as is major or appropriate coursework, in preparation for a number of graduate professional programs.
LR taught us to use our time wisely and has provided me with a ‘keep moving forward' mentality. And Dr. Knight has always helped show us what we could be.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Future employers and post-graduate schools will look at your entire undergraduate work both inside and outside the classroom. Take full advantage of all opportunities that are available to you at LR, including research, study abroad, internships, student clubs and organizations.
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Research
Engineering physics students complete an independent research project - performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation – and you present your findings to faculty and peers as part of their degree requirements. These opportunities for independent research provide exceptional preparation for professional pathways after graduation.
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Internships
Students will also often have opportunities to participate in internships. Work study opportunities are also available on campus, through which qualified students can gain valuable experience serving as lab assistants in the pPhysics program.
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Careers
A degree in engineering physics opens up a diversity of career options for graduates—both because of the specific training in the content of the discipline and due to the general skills encouraged in the study of Physics, e.g., problem-solving, analytical thinking, numeracy, data analysis.
The majority of physics and engineering physics majors go on to pursue advanced degrees in professional and/or academic settings. The engineering physics major prepares students for careers in technology and science, in both industry and academia.
Students (sometimes with additional education) may choose from many fields of engineering, climatology and meteorology, energy, aerospace, medicine and healthcare, construction and transportation, among many other areas.
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Student Activities
Rocket Club
We field a rocketry team that has competed in the NASA University Student Launch Initiative in Alabama and was selected to participate in Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico against rocketry teams from throughout the world.
Lectures & Networking
The College of Natural Science hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community. Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.
Astronomy
Physics students have the opportunity to view the stars, planets and moon though The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club. Club members assist with public star gazes at the observatory atop the Minges Science Building on the LR campus. We have a 12.5-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope and observatory on the roof of Minges Science Building that can be used in astronomy classes and research opportunities.
Major Requirements
Honors
We invite students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a major GPA of 3.0 to consider participating in the Engineering Physics Honors Program. Students who participate in this developmental opportunity will complete 6 hours of honors coursework in addition to submitting an honors thesis via PHY 475 H (Research Physics I - 2 hours) and PHY 476 H (Research Physics II - 2 hours). If you are interested in pursuing Engineering Physics Honors, but do not quite meet the GPA requirement, please reach out to the Engineering Physics Program Coordinator to begin a conversation about your options.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
General Education Requirements
- Technical Requirements (16 hours)
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Major Requirements (49 hours)
Choose one introductory physics sequence (8 hours):
- PHY 121 - General Physics I
- PHY 122 - General Physics II
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- PHY 211 - Analytical Physics I
- PHY 212 - Analytical Physics II
Required Major Courses (21 hours):
- PHY 291 - Intermediate Physics I
- PHY 292 - Intermediate Physics II
- PHY 340 - Digital Electronics
- PHY 360 - Analog Electronics
- PHY 395 - Professional Development in Engineering Physics
- PHY 475 - Research Physics I
- PHY 476 - Research Physics II
Choose 20 hours from the following courses:- PHY 255 - Machine Shop I
- PHY 290 - Intermediate Physics Support
- PHY 320 - Optics
- PHY 325 - Introduction to Rocket Science
- PHY 330 - 3D Printing
- PHY 345 - Programmable Logic Controllers
- PHY 355 - Machine Shop II
- PHY 365 - Embedded Systems
- PHY 430 - LabVIEW
- PHY 435 - Sensors, Transducers and Data Acquisition
- MAT 280 - Linear Algebra
- CSC 150 - Computer Science I
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General Elective Credits
General Electives (14 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
At the Spaceport America Cup competition in New Mexico, the LR rocketry club showed they have exactly what it takes to stand alongside the best in the world.
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LR's Balloon Engineering and Rocketry Club took seven months to build and successfully launch a 92-inch rocket. They competed against teams selected from 22 states.
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