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:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Arts in Physics
- Minor in Physics or Astronomy
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
- Imaging science
- Nanotechnology / Nanomagnetism / Sensor science and engineering
- Physics education
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. 
Our Engineering Physics program is the first ever, established in 1938, tied for the first accredited engineering physics program (with the University of Kansas) in 1949, 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 Student Outcomes of the University of Maine Engineering Physics Program are that, by the end of their undergraduate program in engineering physics, students will have:
- An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
- An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data
- An ability to design a system, a component, a process or a measurement technique to meet specific criteria
- An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering and physics problems
- An understanding of modern professional and ethical responsibilities
- An ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- A general educational experience sufficient to support an understanding of the impact of engineering and science solutions in a global/societal context
- A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning
- A knowledge of contemporary issues
- An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern tools necessary for engineering and physics practice
The UMaine Office of Institutional Research annually compiles statistical data for all programs across campus. Enrollment and graduation data for all MCEC programs can be found at:
- Maine College of Engineering and Computing Enrollment by Program
- Maine College of Engineering and Computing Degrees Conferred by Program
|
Major Requirements |
|
|---|---|
| # Credits Required | Courses |
| 53 | Physics (including PHY 100) |
| 24 | Engineering Sequence and Technical Elective |
| 25-26 |
Mathematics, Chemistry, and Computer Science
|
| 21 | English, Human Values / Social Context and Ethics courses |
| 1-2 | Free Elective |
| 125 | Credits required for graduation |
For additional information, download the Curriculum Guide:
- Fall 2023 BS in Engineering Physics Curriculum Guide
- Fall 2020 BS in Engineering Physics Curriculum Guide (PDF)
- Fall 2019 BS in Engineering Physics Curriculum Guide (PDF)
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 |
| 56 | Physics (with PHY 100) |
| 26 | Sciences (8) and Mathematics (18) |
| 21 | English (3), Human Values / Social Context and Ethics (18) |
| 17 | Electives |
| 120 | Minimum credits for graduation |
For additional information, download an updated Curriculum Guide:
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 |
| 38 | Physics (without PHY 100) |
| 25 | Sciences & Mathematics |
| 57 | Electives (must also include those necessary to satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences B.A. requirements, which includes a second B.A. or a minor) |
| 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*, PHY 122*, PHY 223, PHY 236 |
| Choose 9 credits or more from the following |
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: |
| *may be substituted with PHY 111 & PHY 112 if previously taken | |
Look up these courses by their designators under Courses Offered.
Minor Advisor: Frank Dudish.
Minor in Astronomy — requires 12 credits in Physics and 9 credits in Astronomy.
| Mandatory Courses | |
|---|---|
| Physics | AST 109, AST 110, PHY 121*, PHY 122*, PHY 223 |
| choose 8 credits or more from Electives | PHY 236, AST 221, AST 227, AST 451, AST 497 |
| * may be substituted with PHY 111, PHY 112 | |
View Courses Offered by their designator.
Minor Advisor: David Batuski.