Physics (BS) + Engineering (BS)
If you are a student who recognizes the value of broadening your educational experience to include one of the fundamental sciences, as well as liberal arts and engineering, Loyola University Chicago's Dual-Degree Physics/Engineering Program may be just right for you.
Through the Physics (BS) + Engineering (BS) program, students can earn two baccalaureate degrees: a BS in Physics from Loyola and a bachelor's in Engineering from an affiliated engineering school. In this five-year program, students complete a three-year degree plan in physics at Loyola and then two years of concentrated engineering studies at the partner institution. This is an excellent route for students interested in careers in aerospace, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
Curriculum
The physics major includes courses in all the fundamental areas of physics at the beginning and intermediate level. The curriculum includes a strong background in mathematics, laboratory experience, and computer methods. A minimum grade of C- must be earned to satisfy a course requirement and a 2.0 minimum overall GPA is required for each major or minor. The engineering partner schools have minimum GPA requirements that must be met for acceptance into their programs. Additional coursework may be required by the engineering partner school to satisfy pre-requisites for engineering courses. Final confirmation of degree requirements is subject to department, school, and university approval.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Physics I | ||
| PHYS 121 & PHYS 111L | College Physics I with Calculus Lecture/Discussion and College Physics Laboratory I | 4 |
| Physics II | ||
| PHYS 122 & PHYS 112L | College Physics II with Calculus Lecture/Discussion and College Physics Lab II | 4 |
| Required Physics Courses | ||
| PHYS 126F | Freshman Projects | 1 |
| PHYS 130 | Introduction to Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235L | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 301 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 303 | Electronics I | 3 |
| PHYS 303L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 310 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 310L | Optics Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 314 | Theoretical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 328 | Thermal Physical & Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 338 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 351 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 361 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| Ancillary Math | ||
| MATH 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 263 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 264 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 56 | |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection. Completion of the physics requirements in three years is not required, but all physics and core requirements must be completed at Loyola prior to enrollment at the partner engineering school.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PHYS 121 | College Physics I with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 111L | College Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| MATH 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| UCWR 110 | Writing Responsibly | 3 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 122 | College Physics II with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 112L | College Physics Lab II | 1 |
| PHYS 126F | Freshman Projects | 1 |
| PHYS 130 | Introduction to Computational Physics 1 | 3 |
| MATH 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 235 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235L | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 263 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 264 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| ECON 202 | Principles of Macroeconomics 2 | 3 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 301 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 314 | Theoretical Mechanics I | 3 |
| CHEM 160 | Chemical Structure and Properties 3 | 3 |
| CHEM 161 | Chemical Structure and Properties Laboratory 3 | 1 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 303 | Electronics I | 3 |
| PHYS 303L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 328 | Thermal Physical & Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 19 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 310 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 310L | Optics Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 338 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 361 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| CORE | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 105 | |
- 1
PHYS 130 Introduction to Computational Physics should be substituted with COMP 170 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming for students interested in electrical engineering or computer engineering programs.
- 2
ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics is required for students planning to apply to Columbia Engineering Program.
- 3
At least one semester of chemistry is generally required by engineering partner schools.
Learning Outcomes
In this program, a student can earn two baccalaureate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor in Engineering from an affiliated engineering school. Typically, three years of study in the social sciences, humanities, mathematics and physical sciences at Loyola are required, followed by two years of concentrated engineering studies at the school of engineering.
Loyola University Chicago has formal affiliations with Washington University in St. Louis, Columbia University in New York City, and with Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.
Students can also choose other schools that suit their interest to complete the engineering degree. Many of our students have completed their engineering degrees at other universities such as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, and Iowa State University to complete their engineering studies.
Using as starting point the outstanding education in the Jesuit tradition offered by Loyola, which emphasizes breadth and depth of training in the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, upon completion of this dual degree program students will:
- Gain foundational understanding of physics, a fundamental science that has broad application in existing and emerging technologies;
- Acquire the intermediate level of mathematical tools needed to effectively address physics and engineering problems;
- Possess an understanding of the fundamental engineering fields, and the ability to apply their combined Physics/Engineering knowledge to solve real world problems in the engineering field of their choosing (mechanical, chemical, biomedical, electrical, civil industrial, computer, systems, environmental, and financial–engineering);
- Gain an understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary approach in the physical and engineering sciences.