Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Slippery Rock University

Physics, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Engineering Physics

Program Learning Outcomes

LO1: Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of core physics concepts including mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics  (UGO 02, 03, 04)

LO2: Graduates will be skilled in using physical laws, relevant mathematical and statistical techniques, and computational tools to model physical systems and solve complex problems across various domains in physics.  (UGO 02, 03, 04, 06)

LO3: Graduates will possess hands-on experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments using appropriate laboratory equipment and techniques. (UGO 02, 04, 06)

LO4: Graduate will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate complex physical concepts and results through oral presentations, written reports, and visual aids tailored to diverse audiences. (UGO 01, 05)

LO5: Graduates will be capable of collaborating effectively within diverse, interdisciplinary teams and recognize the significance of professional integrity in scientific practices. (UGO 07, 08, 09, 10)

Related Links

Physics - Engineering Physics, BS Program Page - COMING SOON

Physics Fact Sheet URL

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements45
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements60
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements (Included in Rock Studies Requirements)12
Electives15

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 225Calculus I4
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
CHEM 107General Chemistry I3
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab1
Physical Sciences Inquiry
PHYS 216University Physics 1 with Lab4
Subtotal17
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours45
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 30 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 30 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Physics Core
PHYS 217University Physics 2 with Lab 14
PHYS 310Classical Mechanics 13
PHYS 312Modern Physics 13
PHYS 381Advanced Physics Laboratory 12
PHYS 385Computational Physics 13
Subtotal15
Concentration in Engineering Physics
Required Concentration Physics Courses
PHYS 314Statics3
PHYS 315Dynamics3
PHYS 331Mathematical Methods of Physics and Engineering 13
or MATH 331 Mathematical Methods of Physics and Engineering
PHYS 375Thermal and Statistical Physics 13
Subtotal12
Required Engineering Courses
ENGR 230Mechanics of Materials 13
ENGR 250Circuit Analysis I 13
Subtotal6
Related Cognate Courses
MATH 230Calculus II 14
MATH 231Calculus III 14
MATH 232Linear Algebra 13
MATH 301Differential Equations I 13
STAT 350Applied Statistics 13
Subtotal17
Required Technical Electives
Select minimum 10 credits from the following: 310
Electricity and Magnetism 1
Quantum Mechanics 1
General Chemistry II 1
General Chemistry I Lab 1
Condensed Matter Physics 1
Engineering Design Tools 1
Engineering Computing Tools 1
Engineering Materials 1
Fluid Mechanics 1
Thermodynamics 1
Machines and Mechanisms 1
Introduction to Mechatronics 1
Structural Engineering 1
Environmental Engineering 1
Programming Principles 1
Subtotal10
Total Hours60
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

2
 
*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

3

Minimum of 3 credits in the Technical Electives block must be at the 300 level or above to meet the upper division credit requirement .

Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements

Students must take the following four courses:
CHEM 107General Chemistry I 13
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab 11
MATH 225Calculus I 14
PHYS 216University Physics 1 with Lab4
Total Hours12
1

Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

PHYSICS - BS (6164) / CIM 338
Concentration in Engineering Physics (ENPH)
This program is effective as of Summer 2025
Revised 07.14.2025
UCC 11.29.2024