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 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.