Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Illinois Institute of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics at Illinois Institute of Technology combines fundamental physics, advanced mathematics and engineering principles to prepare students to understand and solve complex technical problems. With coursework in quantum theory, computational science, materials science, fluid mechanics and control systems, the program suits students interested in scientific research, advanced technologies, engineering applications and postgraduate study.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their scientific foundation through General Physics I: Mechanics (PHYS 123), Calculus I (MATH 151) and Principles of Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 122 and CHEM 123). They also take Intro to the Profession (PHYS 100), which introduces the physical sciences and their connections to computing and other disciplines.

Second Year: Students advance their understanding of physical systems through General Physics III (PHYS 223) and Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (PHYS 304), alongside Multivariate and Vector Calculus (MATH 251) and Introduction to Differential Equations (MATH 252). Engineering subjects such as Mechanics of Solids (MMAE 202) and Design for Innovation (MMAE 232) help them connect scientific principles with practical design challenges.

Third Year: Students develop specialised technical and analytical skills through Instrumentation Laboratory (PHYS 300), Mathematical Methods of Physics (PHYS 301) and Classical Mechanics I (PHYS 308). They also study Computational Science (PHYS 240), Signals and Systems (ECE 308) and Fluid Mechanics (MMAE 313), integrating computational techniques with engineering applications.

Fourth Year: Students explore advanced physics through Fundamentals of Quantum Theory I (PHYS 405), Electromagnetism I (PHYS 413) and Advanced Physics Laboratory I (PHYS 427). Control Systems (ECE 438) and approved engineering and technical electives broaden their understanding of complex systems, while the Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) curriculum provides opportunities to work on interdisciplinary projects.

Focus Areas

Engineering physics, classical mechanics, quantum theory, electromagnetism, computational science, materials science, instrumentation, fluid mechanics, signals and systems, control systems, mathematical modelling and interdisciplinary engineering.

Learning Outcomes

Apply mathematical and physical principles to engineering problems, analyse complex systems, use computational methods to solve scientific challenges, understand material properties and mechanical behaviour, develop experimental and instrumentation skills, evaluate electrical signals and control systems, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects and communicate technical findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program combines physics with an engineering core, supporting preparation for technical and research-oriented careers. The official program information does not specify a program-specific professional accreditation, so accreditation should not be assumed from the engineering content alone.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Illinois Tech is a technology-focused research university offering education across engineering and the sciences. The university's published Engineering Physics curriculum does not provide a specific program-level employability ranking or verified graduate employment rate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Illinois Tech's Engineering Physics program integrates laboratory experimentation, computational analysis and engineering design. Students develop practical skills through dedicated physics laboratory courses and interdisciplinary projects, applying theoretical concepts to real technical challenges. The curriculum includes the following opportunities:

Instrumentation Laboratory (PHYS 300): Gain experience with electrical measurements, circuit analysis, amplifiers, filters and digital circuits.
Advanced Physics Laboratory I (PHYS 427): Develop experimental skills and learn to investigate physical phenomena using laboratory techniques.
Computational Science (PHYS 240): Work with computational models, numerical methods and simulations to investigate motion, energy systems and other physics problems.
Interprofessional Projects (IPRO): Collaborate with students from different disciplines on team-based projects that develop problem-solving, communication and project-management skills.
Design for Innovation (MMAE 232): Explore engineering design methods and apply creative thinking to technical challenges.
Physics Colloquium (PHYS 485): Engage with scientific presentations by researchers and learn about current developments in physics.
Undergraduate research: The Physics Department offers opportunities to participate in faculty-guided research, subject to departmental approval and available projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics equips graduates with transferable analytical, computational and experimental skills for technical and research-oriented careers. Graduates may explore roles such as engineering research associate, laboratory engineer, instrumentation specialist and computational modelling analyst, depending on their experience and additional qualifications.

Career services: Illinois Tech provides career development resources to help students prepare resumes, practise interviews, explore job opportunities and connect with employers.
Research opportunities: Undergraduate research and interdisciplinary project experience can help students build technical portfolios and prepare for research-focused employment or postgraduate study.
Industry relevance: Coursework in materials science, signals and systems, fluid mechanics and control systems supports potential career pathways in advanced manufacturing, electronics, instrumentation and engineering research.
Employment statistics and salaries: A program-specific graduate employment rate and salary figure are not stated in the official program information.
Accreditation: The catalog does not specify a separate professional accreditation for the B.S. in Engineering Physics. Students seeking careers requiring a particular accredited qualification should verify the relevant professional requirements.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue technical employment, research positions or further study, depending on their interests, experience and qualifications.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can consider a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering physics, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, computational science or a related field. Illinois Tech also offers co-terminal pathways in selected disciplines, allowing eligible students to combine undergraduate and graduate study; however, the listed co-terminal options are associated with specific physics degrees and should not automatically be assumed to apply to Engineering Physics.