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 two options:

  • 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
  • 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
All seniors complete a capstone research project, which often results 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?

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.

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

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.

A student wearing a lab coat and hat installs wires into equipment in a UMass Lowell lab.

Our physics alumni have worked at:

  • Argonne National Laboratory
  • Draper Laboratory
  • Dupont
  • Los Alamos National Lab
  • MIT Lincoln Labs
  • MITRE Corporation
  • Oak Ridge National Lab 
  • Raytheon
  • U.S. Department of Energy
  • U.S. Naval Research Lab

Meet Our Students

Shanice Kelly works in a lab with another student
Shanice Kelly '21
Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Shanice Kelly is a leader in multiple campus clubs because she wants to get more students of color involved in STEM, especially space science programs.

If I want to see certain things happen, it doesn’t seem right to leave it to other people to do them.
Read More About Shanice Kelly 
Francesca Kamwa on a spiral staircase in the nuclear reactor at UMass Lowell
Francesca Kamwa '22
Radiological Health Physics

Francesca Kamwa ’21 nearly dropped out when her father died. Thanks to support from UML faculty, she’s now applying to medical schools.

There have been a lot of ups and downs, but UMass Lowell has given me so many opportunities.
Read More About Francesca Kamwa 
UMass Lowell student Albert Farah is seated at a desk while looking at a computer and tablet.
Albert Farah '24
Physics, Mathematics

Albert Farah found multiple paid research experiences at UMass Lowell.

The professors are really excited to talk about their research, and that infuses itself into me.
Read More About Albert Farah 
Cassia Fontes wears a graduation cap while she floats in an inflatable tube in a water tank at UMass Lowell
Cassia Fontes ’22, ’23
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Double River Hawk Cassia Fontes’ work with the Radiation Safety Office has set her apart in the job market.

I’m getting attention from all these companies because of the opportunities UMass Lowell gave me.
Read More About Cassia Fontes