Engineering Physics, B.S.

With a degree in engineering physics from LR, you can find a fulfilling career in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical and optical engineering, applied science and technologies, physics and more.

The engineering physics 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 engineer 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.

Take 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.

Demarius Hampton, Kyle Duggar and Dr. Doug Knight

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.

Demarius Hampton '19, Engineering Physics

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.

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.
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.
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 at least 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 (Research Physics I - 2 hours) and PHY 476 (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.

General Education Requirements (37 hours)

Graduation Requirements (4 hours)

General Education Requirements
Technical Requirements (16 hours)
Major Requirements (49 hours)
Take one of the following introductory physics sequences (8 hours):
- PHY 121 - General Physics I
- PHY 122 - General Physics II
- or
- PHY 211 - Analytical Physics I
- PHY 212 - Analytical Physics II
- Take the following required courses:
- PHY 291 - Intermediate Physics I
- PHY 292 - Intermediate Physics II
- PHY 395 - Professional Development in Engineering Physics
- PHY 475 - Research Physics I
- PHY 476 - Research Physics II
Choose 28 hours from the following courses:
- Any PHY course at the 200-level or higher
- MAT 215 - Applied Statistics
- MAT 280 - Linear Algebra
General Elective Credits

General Electives (30 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120

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.

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