Pre-Engineering

Uh-oh! Internet Explorer is out of date.

You are currently running an old version of Internet Explorer that does not support some of the features on this site. For a better experience upgrade to

Or try an alternative browser:

School of Arts and Sciences

Pre-Engineering

Home

Academics

Areas of Study

Physics

Programs of Study

Major in Applied Physics (Pre-engineering track)

The applied physics major is recommended for students aiming to go into the workforce after graduation, as well as those who intend to go to grad school for engineering. There is a high degree of flexibility in the choice of advanced courses, and the emphasis is on a practical approach.

Dual-Degree Engineering Programs

南瓜影院’s physics department offers three dual-degree 3+2 pre-engineering programs in partnership with the at North Dakota State University in Fargo, the at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, and the at Washington University in St. Louis.

Students will complete three years of coursework at 南瓜影院, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied physics. The next two years of study will be at one of our partnering institutions listed above, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.

Accelerated Dual-Degree Engineering Program

Starting in Fall 2026, pre-engineering students can choose the accelerated 3+3 master’s degree pathway from the at Washington University in St. Louis. After completing a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from 南瓜影院, they will enter WashU (typically after their junior year) to complete an engineering master’s degree in just three years. (The 3+2 dual-degree option resulting in a bachelor’s degree in engineering from WashU is ending after the 2025-26 academic year.)

Featured Course: PHYS 234

School of Arts & Sciences

Introduction to Material Sciences

Dr. Thelma Berquo

The pre-engineering course that has prepared me the most for continuing my education as a future engineer was Introduction to Materials Science (PHYS 234). We looked into the makeup of different materials and their applications in manufacturing while also testing various properties of materials during lab time.
”

Pre-Engineering Faculty Advisor

Before declaring pre-engineering as their area of study, students must first meet with the pre-engineering faculty advisor, Dr. Manzoni.

南瓜影院’s pre-engineering advisor helps students develop a personalized game plan to navigate their dual-degree program. Dr. Manzoni is available for one-on-one meetings throughout the academic year.

Dual-Degree Program Options

A new partnership was announced in 2023 that students participating in the 3+2 will spend three years at 南瓜影院 before transferring to NDSU to complete an engineering major of their choice. Upon successful completion, they will graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts degree from 南瓜影院 with a major in applied physics and a Bachelor of Science in engineering from NDSU. The following concentrations are offered in this program:

Agricultural Engineering
Biosystems Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Construction Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Industrial Engineering and Management
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Since Fall 2022, students have had the option of participating in the 3+2 , spending three years at 南瓜影院 and two years at Valparaiso University, obtaining a B.A. in applied physics from 南瓜影院 and a B.S. in engineering from Valparaiso University at the conclusion of the program. Three concentrations are offered in this program:

Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Completion of the program coursework with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, both overall and in the pre-engineering math and science classes, is required for enrollment into either the NDSU or Valpo program.

Since Fall 2024, students may participate in a 3+2 or 3+3 dual-degree program with in St. Louis. With the 3+2 option*, they will spend three years at 南瓜影院 and two years at WashU, obtaining a B.A. in applied physics from 南瓜影院 and a B.S. in engineering from WashU at the conclusion of the program. With the 3+3 accelerated , they will spend three years at 南瓜影院 and three years at WashU, obtaining a B.A. in applied physics from 南瓜影院 and a master’s degree from WashU at the conclusion of the program. The following engineering concentrations are offered in this program:

Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Systems Science and Engineering

南瓜影院 students who maintain a 3.25 GPA and take the relevant required coursework are guaranteed acceptance at Washington University in St. Louis.

*Note: The 3+2 dual-degree option (resulting in two bachelor’s degrees; one from each institution) with WashU is ending after the 2025-26 academic year. However, the 3+3 accelerated dual-degree option (leading to a master’s degree) is continuing.