The Physics program at Hamline University has a long history of preparing students well for careers in many different fields of engineering. Students interested in a career, or furthering their education, in engineering have several options. Physics advisors assist each student in determining which path will best prepare them for their specific goals. Contact the Physics Department for more information.
B.S. in Applied Physics with an Emphasis in Engineering
The Physics department highly recommends this path, which is intended to provide a general background that will be useful for students whether proceeding to graduate school in engineering or into industry. With assistance from their advisors, students are able to focus their course choices on their particular field of interest.
B.S. in Physics
This was the recommended path before the Applied Physics major was established and continues to be an excellent option. Students who choose this option are also able to tailor their electives to suit their area of interest within engineering.
B.A. in Physics paired with another major
While a B.S. degree is typically preferable, a well-chosen double major (such as mathematics or chemistry) can provide a solid foundation for a career in engineering.
3+2 Dual Degree Program in Physics and Engineering with Washington University
Hamline partners with Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri so students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Hamline and a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Washington University. Students attend Hamline for the first three years (on average), then attend Washington University for two more years in an engineering program. After completing the dual bachelors’ degrees, students have the option to earn a master’s degree from Washington University in just one more year.
Dual degree students get the best that both universities offer. At Hamline, they have access to equipment like our state-of-the-art environmental scanning electron microscope and the opportunity to do collaborative research with faculty, getting the hands-on experience needed to determine what engineering field to pursue. At Washington University, students have all the advantages of attending a nationally recognized, world-class university. Studying in both the Twin Cities and St. Louis increases the opportunities for internships and expands professional networks.
After completing Hamline’s BA in physics, students are eligible for admission at Washington University in the following engineering programs:
- Biomedical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Computer science
- Electrical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Systems science and engineering
Students interested in a master’s degree after completing both bachelor’s degrees can choose from the following master’s programs at Washington University:
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Computer science
- Computer science and engineering
- Cybersecurity engineering
- Data analytics and statistics
- Electrical engineering
- Energy
- Environmental and chemical engineering
- Engineering management
- Information systems management
- Materials science
- Mechanical engineering
- Systems science and mathematics
For more information, visit Washington University’s dual degree program website.
