Bachelor's in

Physics and Pre-Engineering
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Bachelor's in Physics and Pre-Engineering

About the Physics and Pre-Engineering Program

At SRU, our faculty don’t just teach, they inspire, mentor, and guide you every step of the way. We’re passionate about giving you a hands-on education through interactive classes, immersive labs, and real-world research experiences designed with you at the center. Whether you’re headed into industry or an advanced degree program in physics or engineering, we’re here to make sure you’re ready to lead, innovate, and excel.

The physics major provides students with broad exposure to experimental, mathematical, and computational techniques in small classes and labs. You will learn from a team of student-oriented faculty members who value the chance to get to know you and will guide you to achieve your career goals. Physics faculty are engaged in active research programs that cover a broad range of areas, including nanoscale materials, quantum devices, and computational physics.

The pre-engineering track is a dual-degree cooperative program that enable students to pursue a career in engineering while experiencing the broader scope of an SRU education. These cooperative programs of study lead to two baccalaureate degrees: one in physics awarded by SRU and one in an area of engineering from our participating engineering school. Students can choose from aerospace, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, or mechanical engineering, to name a few.

What Can I Do With a Physics and Pre-Engineering Degree?

Are you fascinated by how the universe works, or driven to design the technologies of tomorrow? At Slippery Rock University, our Physics and Pre-Engineering programs open the door to thrilling careers in some of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Why physics? If you’ve ever wondered what makes the universe tick, from the tiniest subatomic particles to sprawling galaxies, physics holds the answers. It’s the foundation behind technology like MRI scanners, quantum computing, and robotic systems. With hands-on labs and research opportunities, our program is perfect for curious minds who love to explore and experiment. Why pre-engineering? Imagine a career where no two days are the same. One where you get to invent, innovate, and improve lives. Our pre-engineering program gives you the tools to solve real-world problems and launch a dynamic, high-paying career building skyscrapers, designing sustainable energy systems, or traveling the globe on high-stakes projects.

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Why Choose a Physics and Pre-Engineering Degree?

  • Supportive environment with a 95% placement rate in careers or graduate programs.
  • Relaxed environment with extensive faculty “face time.”
  • Engage in a wide range of out-of-class opportunities, including NSF and NASA funded research, internships, service learning, and in roles such as planetarium assistant, lab assistant, supplemental instructor, and tutor.
  • Hands-on, student-centered teaching used at all levels.
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SRU's 'small school' nature allowed me to form productive relationships with faculty and peers. Moving on to graduate school and professional life, that ability to connect to people with purpose has paid dividends.

Timmy Samec ‘17, Medical Writer
Caris Life Sciences
Mairead Hill

Physics and Pre-Engineering BA, BS and Concentrations

Student researching quantum optics

Physics, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Prepares you for a variety of career paths, including high school teaching, industry positions, or graduate studies for a master's degree. You will achieve your goals through hands-on learning experiences guided by our dedicated faculty. SRU's state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom facilities provide the ideal environment to build a strong foundation for your future.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Physics, BA - Pre-Master of Education (7-12)

Provides an accelerated path to becoming a certified high school physics teacher. Students first complete an undergraduate degree in physics to build a strong foundation of content knowledge. Upon graduation, you will then earn a master's degree from SRU's College of Education in a focused, three-semester program.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Physics, BA / Pre-Engineering (Pitt) (3+2)

If you enjoy solving problems and helping people, SRU's dual-degree Pre-Engineering program is an excellent choice for your future career. This unique cooperative program with the University of Pittsburgh (PITT) provides the best of both worlds. You'll start with an affordable undergraduate education at SRU before transferring to PITT to complete and earn your engineering degree.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Physics, BA / Pre-Engineering (WVU) (3+2)

Gain a competitive advantage in your career by earning dual degrees through SRU's cooperative Pre-Engineering program with West Virginia University (WVU). You'll get the best of both worlds by starting with an affordable undergraduate education in Physics at SRU. After building a strong foundation, you can choose from several engineering degree options to complete your studies at WVU.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Physics, BA / Pre-Engineering (YSU) (3+2)

For students who are curious and enjoy a challenge, SRU offers a dual-degree Pre-Engineering program in partnership with Youngstown State University (YSU). In this program, you'll spend three years at SRU earning a BA in Physics and then three years at YSU earning a BS in Engineering. The powerful combination of these two degrees will provide you with a competitive advantage and help expedite your engineering career.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Student researching quantum optics

Physics, BA / Pre-Engineering Technology (YSU) (3+2)

Graduates of the SRU Physics program are proficient in classical and modern physics, using mathematical and computational tools to become accomplished problem-solvers. You'll gain hands-on skills in constructing experimental apparatuses, analyzing data, and effectively communicating scientific results to diverse audiences. This comprehensive training prepares you for a successful career in science, industry, or education, as well as for advanced graduate studies.

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Physics, Bachelor of Science (BS)

A technical degree offering advanced training in physics, mathematics, scientific computing, and other sciences. You'll work closely with dedicated faculty, gaining hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom facilities. This rigorous program is designed to equip you with the advanced skills needed for technical professions and post-graduate studies.

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Physics, BS - Concentration in Computational Biophysics

SRU's Computational Biophysics program is perfect if you want to apply your knowledge of physics or computers to the fields of biology and medicine. This interdisciplinary concentration combines the methods of physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science. The program's goal is to give you the tools to better understand the complex biological processes of living organisms.

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Physics computer simulation

Physics, BS - Concentration in Computational Physics

Prepares you for exciting careers in science, technology, and the gaming industry, as well as for graduate studies in fields ranging from physics to medicine. You will master computer programming, science, and mathematics, and understand how to connect them using powerful computer simulations. This is achieved through a hands-on curriculum that incorporates cutting-edge computing technologies to give you practical, in-demand skills.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Professor teaching students

Physics, BS - Pre-Master of Education (7-12)

Gain proficiency in the advanced concepts of classical and modern physics and become accomplished problem-solvers using mathematical and computational tools. You'll develop hands-on skills by constructing experiments, analyzing data, and learning to communicate scientific results effectively to diverse audiences. This comprehensive background ensures you are fully prepared to succeed in a career in secondary education or to pursue a graduate program in a related field.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide


Career Outcomes

Our graduates pursue careers in a variety of fields and have been accepted into prestigious postgraduate programs, including:

  • Los Alamos National Lab
  • Thor Labs
  • GE Nuclear Energy
  • Westinghouse
  • Raytheon
  • Mitsubishi
  • US Department of Defense
  • Clemson
  • University of Michigan
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Johns Hopkins
  • North Allegheny High School

Internship Opportunities

Recent physics and pre-engineering students have completed Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs and internships at various institutions and businesses including:

  • Penn State
  • Georgia Tech University
  • University of North Carolina
  • Curtiss-Wright
  • Westinghouse

Clubs & Organizations

  • Physics and Engineering Club
  • SRU Chapter of Sigma-Pi-Sigma Physics Honor Society

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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