Program Overview

Engineering Physics

School

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Departments

• Electrical Engineering
• Physics

Major

Engineering Physics BS

Engineering physics is a combination of electrical engineering and physics, designed for students who want an in-depth understanding of fundamental physics — plus the problem-solving skills of an engineer. This major lets you keep your options open between physical sciences and engineering, whether you’re going to grad school or straight into your career.

What will I learn?

You'll typically start by taking courses and labs such as calculus, chemistry, and physics, as well as some general curriculum classes. You’ll then move on to more advanced physics and math courses, gaining new computational skills and experience that lets you solve increasingly complex problems. In your junior and senior years, you’ll appreciate a combination of fundamental electrical engineering classes, upper-level physics classes, and electives, all designed to prepare you for whatever comes next.

What can I do outside of class?

• Internships, co-ops, and experiential learning. From on-campus engineering intramurals to off-campus internships with national organizations, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to put your skills to work.
  • Student groups. At UB, you’ll find dozens of engineering and physics student clubs, including groups for robotics and other related interests.
  • Research. Work closely with faculty on theoretical or experimental research projects.
  • Study abroad. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience and international perspective, consider going abroad; UB engineering students have traveled to Costa Rica and Europe during summer and winter breaks.

What can I do with an engineering physics degree?

Most students in this program go to graduate school for applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field, and then enjoy a career as a teacher, professor, and/or researcher. These types of positions are often available in high schools, colleges, universities, national research labs, and private companies.

Many high-tech organizations look for people who have expertise in both engineering and physics, which means you may find opportunities in a variety of fields, including:

• Aerospace
• Alternative fuels
• Astrophysics
• Automotive engineering
• Biomedical
• Biophysics
• Construction
• Fiber optics
• Health care
• Industrial research
• Lasers
• Medical physics
• Microelectronics
• Nanotechnology
• Nuclear physics
• Optical systems
• Particle accelerators
• Particle accelerators
• Quantum computing
• Power generation
• Renewable energy
• Transportation
• Semiconductors

Whether you want to work for a private company, government organization, or a university, or go to grad school, this program is designed to give you options.

Who will I learn from?

Most of your professors will be from either the electrical engineering department or the physics department (where you’ll typically find roughly an equal number of theorists and experimentalists).

Our faculty members have won numerous honors for teaching and mentoring, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, UB President Emeritus and Mrs. Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring, Tau Beta Pi Teacher of the Year honors, and the student-nominated Milton Plesur Excellence in Teaching Award.

In addition, our faculty members are highly recognized for their research and scholarship. They have published hundreds of articles, been honored as IEEE and American Physical Society Fellows, received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship & Creative Activities, been named SUNY Distinguished Professors, and have been recognized by the National Science Foundation.