Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Our students gain knowledge of the physical environment while discovering how physics is applied to problem-solving in our rapidly changing high-tech world.

Engineering physics blends concepts from engineering, physics and math while taking theoretical science and turning it into practical engineering. Engineering physicists often specialize in frontier areas of engineering, including nanotechnology, quantum devices, ultra­fast lasers, solar cells and molecular electronics. Our students gain a strong grasp of the physical world, as well as an understanding of how physics is applied to problem­-solving.

  • Gain foundational knowledge in engineering, physics and math
  • Learn theory and how to apply it to real-world problems
  • Collaborate on hands-on research alongside faculty

Top 20 public U.S. university for engineering

(U.S. News & World Report, 2020)

Connect with researchers and partnered federal labs: the JILA Center for Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, the National Institute for Standards and Technology, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Top 10 university in the world for physics

(Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2017)

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of society by applying your knowledge of engineering physics to a variety of careers.

 
$82,200

Median salary of CU Boulder engineering physics students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Be qualified for positions in high-­tech startup companies and established engineering firms, and exceptionally prepared for an advanced graduate degree

 

Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, Anthem, Micron Technology, Twitter and many universities employ our graduates

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn a BS in engineering physics, students must complete a minimum of 128 credit hours across a breadth of topics.

Course topics include: 

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Applied mathematics 
  • Mathematical methods in physics
  • Electrodynamics
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Classical mechanics
  • Thermodynamics 
  • Statistical mechanics
  • Advanced mathematics

Students also take laboratory courses, which emphasize student-developed and student-designed independent projects in which students use the knowledge acquired to build apparatuses of their own choosing. The program encourages the formation of student research collaborations with faculty in the pursuit of senior thesis projects.

And an additional degree option for engineering physics students: 

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's (BS) and master's (MS) degree is offered for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BS/MS program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project and obtain both degrees in five years.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.