Engineering Physics Major

In today’s rapidly changing technological landscape, the traditional lines between science and engineering are increasingly blurred. As an engineering physics major, you will gain the scientific rigor and hands-on training needed to address design challenges in the 21st century.

At a Glance

Flexibility

Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
Degree

BS

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What courses will you take?

Two students work with equipment in a UMass Lowell engineering physics lab

The B.S. in Engineering Physics program builds on the existing strengths and capacities of UMass Lowell’s physics department and adds in specialized engineering courses.

As a result, you can explore your individual interests, build the foundation for interdisciplinary graduate programs, and prepare for diverse careers in the engineering and technology sectors.

The Engineering Physics major has three options:

Electrical and Computer Engineering Option, which includes a selection of required courses and elective courses from Electrical and Computer Engineering. In addition, you will take core, math and chemistry courses common to both Physics and Engineering Physics degree pathways including Application Programming, two semesters of Circuit Theory and basic Circuits Labs, and Logic Design. Courses for Electrical and Computer Engineering Option
Mechanical Engineering Option, which includes a selection of required courses and elective courses from Mechanical Engineering. In addition, you will take core, math and chemistry courses common to both Physics and Engineering Physics degree pathways including Statics, Strength of Materials, Materials Science for Engineers, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer. Courses for Mechanical Engineering Option
Nuclear Option, which includes specialized Nuclear Engineering courses alongside fundamental physics, mathematics and chemistry classes. You will study topics such as Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Nuclear Reactor Theory and Nuclear Reactor Engineering. Courses for Nuclear Option

All seniors complete a capstone research project, often resulting in presentations at national professional meetings and/or publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Physics minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Why study engineering physics at UMass Lowell?

Two UMass Lowell physics students look at equipment in a classroom.

Research Opportunities

Most of our students gain employment with the department’s research faculty, who bring in millions of dollars per year in federally funded grants. Research topics include:

Space mission design
Gamma-ray spectroscopy
Lasers on Mars landers
Photonics in biomedical applications
Observational astronomy
Particle accelerators
Digital signal processing
C++ programming

Student works with equipment in a UMass Lowell engineering physics lab

Experiential Learning

Intern at national labs such as Los Alamos National Laboratory or high-tech firms such as Draper Laboratory.

These practical learning experiences prepare students for future careers in research and development in both traditional and emerging technologies.

Two physics students work with equipment in a UMass Lowell lab

World-class Facilities

Gain access to numerous on-campus facilities and equipment, including:

Astronomical observatory
Fabrication facilities for space-mission instrumentation
Optical and NMR spectroscopic and imaging equipment
Femtosecond pulsed lasers
Sophisticated terahertz imaging capabilities

Engineering physics student in front of a computer in a UMass Lowell classroom.

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

What can you do with a degree in engineering physics?

Our program prepares students for careers where advanced math skills, experience in computer modeling and familiarity with engineering principles are required, including the research and development in emerging technologies.