Physics and Engineering

Considering a major in physics or engineering? Excellent choice! We offer several programs that lead to a range of career options in rapidly growing industries.

The goal of these major programs is to provide the foundation for training physicists and engineers, and also to develop in our students the vital skills that are required in the 21st century workplace. All the major programs that we offer are designed to allow technical specialization and flexibility to its graduates. Many possible career paths are available to physics and engineering majors and the department's curriculum provides the training necessary to most of these options.

WHY PHYSICS?

Physics helps us to understand how the world around us works, from tiny subatomic particles to massive galaxies, cell phones to jet engines, DNA to MRI scanners and tornados to earthquakes. So, if you have a passion for understanding how things work and enjoy hands-on scientific experiments, then a physics degree is for you. Studying physics at SRU will provide you with quantitative, analytical and problem solving skills that will open doors to many career options. Our physics major is designed to provide a broad background in physics for individuals planning careers in physics and related technical fields, including those who plan to pursue graduate studies in physics.

WHY ENGINEERING?

If you are interested in applying your creativity and scientific abilities to solving real world problems as engineers, SRU offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Civil Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. These are four-year, full-time degree programs and all courses will be taught at SRU's main campus.

SRU also offers dual degree engineering programs in cooperation with Penn State University, West Virginia University, University of Pittsburgh, and Youngstown State University. Under these cooperative programs, you spend three years at SRU completing the pre-engineering course requirements and then transfer to one of our partner engineering schools to complete the engineering program of your choice. Available engineering programs include, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Computer Engineering.

What is Engineering?

The profession of engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical knowledge to solve issues in the world. Understanding the use of computer-aided modeling, laboratory testing, and the analysis of data are crucial qualities for all engineers to have in finding solutions to unanswered questions. Engineers use their working knowledge of the economy and the limitations of materials for their designs to be successful. Engineers aspire to create new technologies to improve production, safety, and conveniences of everyday life. To be an engineer is to be a pioneer in many fields of specialty from biology and medicine to space exploration to military protection, and everything in between. Engineering is an innovative, fast-paced, and constantly evolving profession that has existed for centuries, and will continue to stay around for centuries to come.

Who are Engineers?

Engineers and engineering students are logical, creative, and very determined individuals. Having a strong work ethic, organization skills, and being able to manage time are vital assets to an engineer's career. These people need to have a passion to constantly learn and educate themselves in new ways throughout school and work. Engineers have a strong working knowledge in science, mathematics, computer science, and a multitude of other fields. Problem solving and teamwork are everyday experiences engineers face. Furthermore, people interested in engineering need to also have a strong skill set in different types of communications, such as writing and presenting. Engineers analyze data and cleverly devise ways to fulfill their duty to the betterment of mankind. Engineers must also obey and follow a moral ethical code of conduct. They cannot be greedy, but care for the safety of others and want to improve living standards of the human race.

What types of careers can I expect in Engineering?

No matter what type of engineering one chooses, the options created cover a broad field of many professions. Furthermore, within each main field of engineering there are a massive amount of subfields that a student has available for them to make a profitable, interesting, and exciting career. Upon graduation, engineers hold a valued set of skills that many want to employ. Critical thinking and problem solving abilities are highly valued by engineering companies as well as other production industries. Medical, mining, industry, and technological conveniences are only just a few of the options an engineer has available to them upon entering the professional world. Engineers can work anywhere from an office setting to a laboratory, to even the outdoors. It is up to the engineer to find and place oneself in the type of environment they desire most. Everything one sees, hears, tastes, and uses in today's world most likely had an engineer help in multiple steps of the production of the product. Only the engineering student can limit their opportunities in finding a profession.