Engineering Physics

Engineering Physics

Department: Physics

More Information

• Physics website
• Previous Engineering Physics Curriculum
• Engineering Physics Curriculum Effective Fall 2016

(This POE applies to students entering fall 2015)

This Program of Emphasis includes two options: 1) 3-2 engineering (two degrees) in cooperation with one of our four affiliated engineering universities, and 2) 4-year, engineering-oriented Juniata College degree. These two options are structured to allow a student to aim toward engineering school either by participating in our 3-2 engineering programs or by completing a four-year program at Juniata. Option 2 would further provide a technical background for a person who wishes to seek general employment in a technical industrial situation which does not require specific engineering training. The mathematics sequence in these three options offers the necessary problem-solving techniques and discipline required for the upper-level physics courses at Juniata and the upper-level engineering courses at an engineering school. The first two years of physics consists of a broad introduction to the field, providing basic knowledge and initial analytical skill development. Substantial laboratory work is included in these options to insure contact with concrete phenomena.

Option 1, the 3-2 option is structured to prepare a student to go to engineering school in our 3-2 program. The physics, mathematics, chemistry and computer science consists of a broad introduction to the field, providing basic knowledge and initial analytical skill development for the engineering profession. Generally, this POE option is designed to meet the entrance requirements of the engineering schools with which we are affiliated. Since these requirements vary somewhat from school to school, advice from the Engineering Advisor is essential in the planning process. The following program is designed to help the student meet the requirements for the Pennsylvania State University (University Park Campus). If students meet these requirements, we find that they also are prepared for our other affiliated engineering schools, (Washington University, Columbia University , and Clarkson University ). Advice from the engineering advisor will help fine tune each student's POE. The student must also not forget that there are minimum GPA requirements for continuation at our cooperating engineering schools. Columbia University requires a GPA of 3.3 and all required courses must have a grade of a B or higher. Washington University in ST. Louis requires a minimum GPA of 3.25 overall and also in the science and mathematics courses. Many of Penn State's engineering programs also have "Enrollment control" which mean they do not participate in the 3-2 program at the current time. At present time, the following Penn State departments are under enrollment control: Aerospace Engineering, Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. None of our other 3-2 cooperating universities have enrollment controls in place. (Penn State also has a few programs, including Agricultural and Biological Engineering and majors in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, that only require at grade point average of 2.75. In addition, Penn State Harrisburg also offers some engineering programs. Although we do not have a formal 3-2 program specifically with PSU-Harrisburg, students have completed a 3-2 program with them in the past and arrangements may be made on an individual basis.)

Students who wish to obtain a further education in pure physics should fulfill the requirements of the normal physics program of emphasis rather than this one. A 3-2 engineering student who decides to extend Juniata's education to four years, but who intends to go to an engineering school for either a BS or a graduate degree in engineering, may find this program to be useful.

Please note that this POE is not designed for those interested in Chemical Engineering. Please speak both with the Engineering Advisor in the physics department and with a chemistry advisor if you are interested in Chemical Engineering.

Course Requirements for Options 1 and 2:

Required mathematics courses

Required computer science courses

Required chemistry courses - One year of College Level Chemistry with Lab

Required computer science courses

Required physics courses

*In case of course conflicts or study abroad, consult with your physics advisor

Additional courses for Option 1, the 3-2 engineering option

The following are examples of courses that may be taken for specific kinds of engineering:

In addition, students should add to the POE a course in speech, a course in technical writing, and a course in economics.

Total credit hours for Option 1, the 3-2 engineering option should not exceed 63 credits.

Additional courses for Option 2, the four-year Engineering Physics option:
PC 307, Advanced Lab (pre-reqs: PC 300 & MA 235), PC 489 Physics Seminar, and at least one additional 300 or 400 level physics, mathematics, or chemistry course that carries at least three credits.

Total credit hours for Option 2, the four-year Engineering Physics option: = 63 credits