Engineering Physics (B.S.)
About
UMaine’s Engineering Physics program, established in 1938, is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected in its field, with accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The program offers a unique blend of theoretical physics and practical engineering, with a carefully selected concentration in one of the traditional engineering disciplines, ensuring students gain expertise in both applied science and mathematics. Students engage in active research, including opportunities for co-op placements with industry or government agencies, study abroad experiences, and peer instruction roles. This program emphasizes both fundamental conceptual understanding and real-world problem solving, from mechanics to quantum mechanics, preparing graduates for impactful careers in engineering and physics.
Accreditation
The Engineering Physics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Engineering Physics. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics.
Program Highlights
Requirements
The program requires a laboratory course in physics in each of eight semesters. These laboratory experiences emphasize the ability to conduct experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, working with modern instrumentation and meeting deadlines. When possible, students work in teams alongside majors outside the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. The junior-year laboratory sequence is also a writing intensive experience. An English instructor meets regularly with majors to develop their technical writing skills, through assignments, guided revision and assessment.
Five courses in mathematics, in addition to a computer programming course, are required, with the upper-level selections involving topics pertinent to engineering. A minor in mathematics can be earned with one additional mathematics course beyond these five (as long as one is at the 400-level) and our required PHY 472 . Approximately 50% of graduating Engineering Physics majors earn a minor in mathematics.
The Engineering Physics program requires satisfactory completion of at least 125 credits at an accumulative grade point average of not less than 2.0.
Program Learning Outcomes
Cooperative “Work Experience” Program
Engineering Physics majors who have completed both their sophomore year and 16 credits in physics courses can participate in the cooperative education program. This program integrates a practical work opportunity at an industrial facility (obtained through a specific period of employment) with on-campus classroom and laboratory experiences. Academic credit is received through enrollment in PHY 495 Engineering Physics Practice.
Careers
Engineering Physics graduates work in industry, universities, government agencies, and private practice. Roughly half go directly to an engineering/physics employment opportunity immediately after graduation. Others continue their education in graduate programs in engineering, physics, law (e.g. patent law), business and medicine. Employment in industries producing electronics products, optical products, and the nuclear/radiation medicine field is popular. Because the Engineering Physics major is familiar with both the practice of engineering and the scientific approach to problem solving, our students are often sought out for multidisciplinary employment opportunities. Recent multidisciplinary employment examples include navigation instrumentation (Lincoln Laboratories), nuclear radiation monitoring (The State of Maine), and optical and acoustical effects (The Walt Disney Corporation).
At a Glance
Maine College of Engineering & Computing
Engineering Physics
Accreditation
Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET
Degree Level
Undergraduate Major
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics
Mode of Study
In-Person
time to Complete Degree
125 Credits
Join the HonorS College
Open to students in all majors
Featured Courses
XXX 101
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XXX 101
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XXX 101
Research Learning Experience
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Scholarships
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Next Steps
Contact
Engineering Physics
John R. Thompson
Bennett Hall, Room 120
umaine.edu/las/physics-astronomy/
P
207.581.1016
International
Chadbourne Hall, Room 122
go.umaine.edu/international-undergraduate-admissions/
P
207.581.3437
F
207.581.2920
