Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

What is Engineering Physics?

Engineering Physics describes the development of tools using physical principles and a bit of imagination to develop a deeper understanding of science. At Florida Poly, the Engineering Physics program provides a fundamental understanding of the rules that govern nature and how to design and implement the tools used to study it.

Careers in Engineering Physics

Like the degree in Physics, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics can lead to careers in fields such as engineering, finance, academia, information technology, and medicine. In whatever technical field you choose to make your career in, you will be prepared to present yourself professionally and demonstrate your ability to solve problems.

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Data, the employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Salary Ranges

The median annual wage for physicists was $166,290 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $80,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.

Curriculum

A bachelor's degree in engineering physics builds on the mathematical and scientific foundation of courses taken during the students’ first two years of study. This degree has four physics core courses (classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electricity and magnetism), and four engineering core courses (statics, materials, thermodynamics, and electrical engineering). All provide insight into differing scientific and engineering perspectives. There are additional engineering and physics electives which allow for some customization based on your interests.

Florida Poly’s innovative design sequence sets our degree requirements apart from other universities. Students take a series of courses each semester to prepare them for internships and research, culminating in the senior capstone design, which tasks teams of students to create solutions for real-world industry challenges.

Why Florida Poly?

At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education. Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.

The Internship Experience

At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they’re a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.

Capstone Design

Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students' academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.

Alumni Making an Impact

Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.

Program and Student Outcomes

Our rigorous Engineering Physics curriculum allows Florida Poly graduates to:

• Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• Apply engineering design to produce solutions that met specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informal judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Meet the Faculty

• Ian Bentley, Chair & Professor of Physics
• Evan Adamek, Assistant Professor
• Bradford Barker, Assistant Professor
• Nathan Dawson, Associate Professor
• Emadelden Fouad, Instructor of Physics
• Hengzhou Liu, Post-Doctoral Associate (OPS)
• Pedro Manrique Charry, Assistant Professor
• Justin Reyes, Instructor

Get Involved Outside the Classroom

We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just for fun.

Events & Activities

Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual 5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get involved.

University Teams

Join Florida Poly's University Teams for next-level competition and camaraderie! Whether you're into esports, soccer, weightlifting, robotics, or lacrosse, there's a team for you. Pursue excellence alongside like-minded teammates and take your skills to the next level. With a diverse range of options, there's something for everyone to enjoy while striving for victory!

Student Clubs & Organizations

At Florida Poly, campus engagement is key to fostering lifelong connections, teamwork, and leadership. With over 35 student-run clubs, there's ample opportunity to explore passions and forge friendships beyond lectures and labs. Joining clubs empowers students to pursue interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories with like-minded peers, enriching the college experience and shaping futures.

Campus Recreation

Florida Poly's exceptional recreation facilities offer students, faculty, and staff opportunities for physical activity, fostering healthy lifestyle habits. Featuring a fully equipped weight room, junior Olympic swimming pool, basketball courts, beach volleyball, soccer fields, and disc golf, there's something for everyone to stay active and energized.