Undergraduate Majors and Minors

The course work can be demanding, but the department has ways to help and provide support. The laboratory work requires application of new concepts, but you’ll learn collaboratively with your classmates.  You will need to work, but you will be rewarded for your efforts – today and tomorrow.

Degree programs are offered leading to the following:

We offer an uncommon educational experience.

  • Our classes are small, beyond the introductory level.
  • Homework is graded and returned promptly.
  • Faculty members are actively involved in research and development.

Undergraduates can participate in many research areas, such as:

  • Astrophysics
  • Biophysics
  • Environmental radiation
  • Imaging science
  • Liquid crystals
  • Nanotechnology / Surface science / Sensor science and engineering
  • Physics education
  • Statistical mechanics
  • Superconductivity and more!

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Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Engineering Physics is a curriculum in applied science, including a carefully chosen sequence of engineering electives, which we call a “concentration,” in one of the traditional engineering fields. The science and mathematics of engineering are emphasized.

The Engineering Physics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. ABET

Our Engineering Physics program is the first ever, established in 1938, and the only accredited engineering physics program in New England.

The Educational Objectives of the University of Maine Engineering Physics Program are to have our graduates:

A. use the versatility afforded by the engineering physics degree to collaborate with a dynamic, diverse, and technically sophisticated workforce by successfully employing engineering/scientific skills, developed at UMaine, in a wide range of fields;

B. continuously improve and expand their technical and professional skills through informal self-study, coursework, pursuit of licensure, or the attainment of advanced degrees in science, engineering, business, or other professional fields;

C. advance the profession and themselves through ethical behavior, communication, teamwork, and leadership;

D. recognize the importance of civic engagement and support the significant roles that engineering and science play in the betterment of society.

In support of these objectives, preparation also includes an introduction to the humanities, social sciences, communications and raising sensitivity to issues of ethics and professional practice.
Furthermore, the program encourages majors to participate in student professional organizations, including the Society of Physics Students, the Society of Women Engineers and the various student societies within the student’s chosen engineering field. In addition, majors frequently qualify for membership in the honor societies Sigma Pi Sigma and Tau Beta Pi, among others.

The EPS Learning Outcomes are based on the ABET-developed learning goals for all engineering students.

The University Office of Institutional Research provides statistics on Enrollment and Graduation Rates for all programs in the College of Engineering, including the Engineering Physics  Program.

Major Requirements

# Credits Required Courses
53 Physics (including PHY 100)
24 Engineering Sequence and Technical Elective
25
Mathematics, Chemistry, and Computer Science)
21 English, Human Values / Social Context and Ethics courses
2 Free Elective
125 Credits required for graduation

For additional information, download the Curriculum Guide:

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Bachelor of Science in Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Physics is customarily the prerequisite for graduate education in physics, astronomy, or related areas.

Student Learning Outcomes of the B.S. degree in Physics 

Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Physics should have achieved the following goals, which will prepare students for entry and success in graduate programs and/or direct entry into the workforce as scientific/technical professionals:

  • An ability to apply physics and mathematics to identify, formulate, and solve physics problems;
  • An ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyze and interpret data;
  • An ability to use techniques, skills, and instrumentation necessary for modern physics practice including computer techniques (simulations, mathematics, data acquisition and analysis);
  • An ability to communicate effectively in oral and written presentations;
  • An ability to read and understand the physics literature.

This prepares the student for careers in basic or applied research and development. Because of its strong emphasis on science and mathematics, it is particularly appropriate for careers in research at industrial, governmental, or academic institutions.

Major Requirements
# Credits Required
 Courses
53 Physics (with PHY 100)
25 Sciences (7) and Mathematics (18)
21 English (3), Human Values / Social Context and Ethics (18)
21 Electives
120 Minimum credits for graduation

For additional information, download an updated Curriculum Guide:

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Bachelor of Arts in Physics

This program can be tailored to a wide variety of careers, including medicine and dentistry.  Students may pursue broad science areas, such as: astronomy, astrophysics, biophysics, environmental studies, geophysics, or physical oceanography. The program also provides a strong science background for students pursuing management, law, or secondary school science teaching careers.

Student Learning Outcomes for the B.A. Degree in Physics

Students graduating with a B.A. degree in Physics should have achieved the following goals, which will prepare students for entry and success in graduate programs and/or direct entry into the workforce as scientific/technical professionals:

  • An ability to apply physics and mathematics to identify, formulate, and solve physics problems;
  • An ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyze and interpret data;
  • An ability to use techniques, skills, and instrumentation necessary for modern physics practice including computer techniques (simulations, mathematics, data acquisition and analysis);
  • An ability to communicate effectively in oral and written presentations;
  • A broad educational background that provides the basis for contributing as a global citizen.
Major Requirements
# Credits Required
 Courses
35 Physics (without PHY 100)
25 Sciences & Mathematics
60 Electives (must also include those necessary to satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences B.A. requirements)
120 Minimum credits for graduation
A minimum of 72 hours must be outside the major

For additional information, download an updated Curriculum Guide:

Minors in Physics or Astronomy

The Minor in Physics and the Minor in Astronomy are both flexible programs intended for students enrolled in any four-year degree program at the University of Maine. The programs provide a stronger science and mathematics background. Students choose either physics or astronomy as areas of study.

Minor in Physics — requires 21 credits in Physics (12 specified and 9 elective).

Mandatory Courses
Courses Choices
Physics PHY 121/122*, PHY 223, PHY 236
Choose 9 credits or more from the following electives PHY 231, PHY 451, PHY 447, PHY 454, PHY 455,
PHY 463, PHY 469, PHY 470, PHY 472, PHY 480; 

Laboratory courses – up to 3 credits maximum:
PHY 224, PHY 229, PHY 262, PHY 364, PHY 365,
PHY 471

*may be substituted with PHY 111/112 if previously taken

Download PDF of Physics Minor guide.

Look up these courses by their designators under Courses Offered.

Minor in Astronomy — requires 12 credits in Physics and 9 credits in Astronomy.

Mandatory Courses
Physics AST 109, AST 110, PHY 121/122*, PHY 223
choose 3 or more Electives PHY 236, AST 221, AST 227, AST 451, AST 497
* may be substituted with PHY 111/112

Download PDF of Astronomy Minor guide.

View Courses Offered by their designator.

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