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Program Information | Degree Requirements | Career Outlook

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

ENGINEERING PHYSICS

New: Accelerated 5-Year Program in Engineering Physics
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Engineering Physics


Embry-Riddle's Engineering Physics Degree Is All About Spacecraft Engineering and Space Physics

 

Embry-Riddle's Engineering Physics (EP) degree program emphasizes space systems engineering and space science. Spacecraft engineering and space physics constitute the theme of this engineering program and are the focus in junior- and senior-level courses and the capstone space systems design project.

Most of our graduates pursue careers in space-related professions as space systems engineers or space scientists.

Our recent graduates are pursuing careers at NASA centers, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, United Space Alliance, Swales Aerospace, ITT Industries, and other commercial and federal agencies.

For those who desire more advanced studies before embarking on their careers, we now offer a 5-year accelerated program that allows students to complete both a B.S. and M.S. in Engineering Physics.

Do you have a strong interest in spacecraft engineering and space physics?
Do you have a high aptitude in science and mathematics?
Do you have a desire to apply scientific knowledge to solve engineering and science problems?

If you said "yes, that's me!", applying for admission to the engineering physics program at Embry-Riddle would be a great choice for your future.

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PROGRAM INFORMATION

Engineering Physics Students Can Be Involved In Department Research Activities

The PARTS vehicle

The Plasma Accelerated Reusable Transport System (PARTS) designed by EP students is an unmanned cargo shuttle capable of ferrying large payloads to and from Martian orbit using a highly efficient Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR).

The Engineering Physics faculty is devoted to teaching and conducting research related to space and many other fields. Under our faculty's leadership, Embry-Riddle's Engineering Physics degree has become one of the largest engineering physics programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Our highly committed instructors work closely with students at all levels of study and strive to provide each student an exciting and challenging educational experience.

Opportunities exist for students to actively participate in the department’s research activities. These include upper-atmospheric research taking place at ground-based sites all over the world, including the South Pole; sounding- rocket studies of atmospheric composition and hypervelocity shock waves; spacecraft systems engineering; space plasma physics; high-temperature superconductivity; and astrophysics.

The Vapor Core Reactor provides the PARTS spacecraft with nuclear power needed for its VASIMR engine

Engineering Physics laboratories include the Space Physics Research Lab, Atmospheric Physics Research Lab, Computational Atmospheric Dynamics Lab, Spacecraft Engineering Research Lab, Engineering Physics Design Lab, and the Laboratory for Advanced Instrumentation Research (LAIR).

EP majors earn a minor in mathematics in addition to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics. The upper-level mathematics and physics courses in this program provide the student with stronger abilities in theoretical endeavors than most specialized engineering programs. As a result, the EP graduate has a more versatile, higher-level skill set for analyzing complex problems than a graduate of a program focused on more specialized training in a specific engineering field. This is well-recognized by potential employers and graduate programs.

During the junior and senior years, EP students utilize the resources available to them in the Engineering Physics Design Lab.

Juniors learn multiple engineering applications to prepare for more advanced design projects during their senior year, and seniors make use of this technology in the lab.

Engineering physics majors have specialized engineering workstations dedicated to their degree program. These have the processing power and advanced graphics systems necessary for 3D solid CAD modeling, and run the specialized software necessary for the students' advanced design projects.

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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Our Program Produces Graduates with the Knowledge and Skills of Engineers and Scientists

Poseidon craft

Spacecraft using ion-thrusters for interplanetary travel designed by Embry-Riddle EP students

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, offered only on the Daytona Beach campus, is designed to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills of both scientists and engineers.
Combining the fields of space systems engineering and space physics, this program focuses on the scientific challenges and planning associated with mission design and research related to the exploration of the space environment. Because of the strong emphasis on fundamentals, the EP program provides not only an excellent stepping stone into the space program, but also the flexibility to enter a broad variety of engineering and physics applications and graduate programs.

The Engineering Physics degree program has a full engineering accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21204-4012, telephone: 410-347 7700) and is administered by the Physical Sciences Department. This program supports the University's purpose "to provide a comprehensive education to prepare graduates for productive careers and responsible citizenship with special emphasis on the needs of aviation, aerospace engineering, and related fields."
The educational objectives of the Engineering Physics program ensure that our graduates:

  • Effectively use mathematical, scientific, and modern engineering tools in the practice of their professions.
  • Pursue successful careers built upon understanding of ethical and professional responsibility, good citizenship, and on the ability to be a life-long learner.
  • Demonstrate oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work in teams across disciplines.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve real-world technical problems, incorporating political, economic, and environmental considerations

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To enter this program, students must have completed four years of high school science and mathematics, demonstrating a high level of competency. Successful candidates for this program will be prepared to enter Calculus I and Chemistry for Engineers.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics degree program requires 130 credit hours. The program can be completed in eight semesters. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below.

Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Check the course descriptions at the back of this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.

A grade of C or better is required in MA 241, MA242, MA243, PS215,PS208, and PS219.

Freshman Year
Course Title Credit
  Communication Theory and Skills* 6
  Lower-Level Humanities* 3
  Lower-Level Social Sciences* 3
EGR 111 Engineering Drawing 2
EP 101 Current Topics in Space Sciences 1
MA 241 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 4
MA 242 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 4
PS 140 Chemistry for Engineers 4
PS 141 Chemistry for Engineers Lab 1
PS 215 Physics I 3
PS 216 Physics Laboratory I 1
Total Credits 32

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Sophomore Year
* May be taken in the fourth or fifth semester
Course Title Credit
* May be taken in the fourth or fifth semester.
  Communication Theory and Skills* 3
EGR 115 Introduction to Computing for Engineers 3
ES 201 Statics 3
ES 202 Solid Mechanics 3
ES 204 Dynamics 3
HU Humanities Elective 3
MA 243 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III 4
MA 345 Differential Equations and Matrix Methods 4
PS 208 Physics II 3
PS 219 Physics III 3
PS 220 Physics III Laboratory 1
PS 290 Physics Laboratory Practicum* 0
Total Credits 33

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Junior Year
Course Title Credit
EE 335 Electrical Engineering I 2
EE 336 Electrical Engineering Laboratory 1
EP 320 Electro Optical Engineering 3
EP 340 Introduction to Space Systems Design 2
EP 391 Microcomputers and Electronic Instr. 3
EP 393 Spaceflight Dynamics 2
EP 394 Space Systems Engineering 3
ES 206 Fluid Mechanics 3
ME 200 Machine Shop Lab 1
MA 441 Advanced Engineering Mathematics I 3
MA 442 Advanced Engineering Mathematics II 3
PS 303 Modern Physics 3
PS 305 Modern Physics Laboratory 1
PS 320 Classical Mechanics 3
Total Credits 33

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Senior Year
Course Title Credit
  Engineering Elective 3
HU Upper-Level Humanities Elective 3
ES 305 Thermodynamics 3
ES 320 Engineering Materials Science 2
EP 410 Space Physics 3
EP 440 Engineering Electricity and Magnetism 3
EP 455 Quantum Physics 3
EP 496 Space Systems Design I 2
EP 497 Space Systems Design II 3
ES 321 Engineering Materials Science Lab 1
SS Upper-Level Social Sciences* 3
  Open Elective 3
Total Credits 32
Total Degree Credits 130

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* Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Engineering Electives may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified above in the Engineering Physics vertical outline.

Communication Theory and Skills
COM 122, 219, 221, 222, 351, 360
Humanities
Lower-Level: HU 140-146, 250
Upper-Level: HU 300-400
Social Sciences
Lower-Level: EC 200, PSY 220, SS 110, 120, 204, 210
Upper-Level: HF 300, PSY 350, 365, SS 300 Level
Engineering Electives
AE/AEL/CEC/CIV/CS/EE/EGR/EL/EP/ES/ME/SE300-400 Level


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Accelerated Program in Engineering Physics

Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Engineering Physics

  • The accelerated program allows exceptional students to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics (BSEP) and Master of Science in Engineering Physics (MSEP) degrees.

  • Students enrolled in the BSEP program may apply for entry into the accelerated program when they attain junior standing.

  • Students must have a minimum CGPA of 3.2 in EP/ES/MA/PS courses for selection. This program is available at the Daytona Beach campus only.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Students in this program must meet the following requirements:

  • Maintain at least a 3.0 CGPA throughout the academic program.
  • Maintain at least a 3.0 CPGA for the graduate credits.
  • Complete a total of 151 credit hours as listed below.

First Year
Course Title Credit
  Communication Theory and Skills 6
  Lower-Level Humanities 3
  Lower-Level Social Sciences 3
EGR 111 Engineering Drawing 2
EP 101 Current Topics in Space Sciences 1
MA 241 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 4
MA 242 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 4
PS 140 Chemistry for Engineers 4
PS 141 Chemistry for Engineers Lab 1
PS 215 Physics I 3
PS 216 Physics Laboratory I 1
Total Credits 32

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Second Year
Course Title Credit
  Communication Theory and Skills 3
EGR 115 Introduction to Computing for Engineers 3
ES 201 Statics 3
ES 202 Solid Mechanics 3
ES 204 Dynamics 3
  HU/SS Upper-Level HU/SS Elective 3
MA 243 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III 4
MA 345 Differential Equations and Matrix Methods 4
PS 208 Physics II 3
PS 219 Physics III 3
PS 220 Physics Laboratory III 1
PS 290 Physics Laboratory Practicum 0
Total Credits 33

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Third Year
Course Title Credit
EP 320 Electro-Optical Engineering 3
EP 340 Introduction to Space Systems Design 2
EP 393 Spaceflight Dynamics 2
EP 394 Space Systems Engineering 3
EP 501 Numerical Methods for Engineers & Scientists 3
ES 206 Fluid Mechanics 3
ES 305 Thermodynamics 3
MA 441 Advanced Engineering Mathematics I 3
MA 502 Boundary Value Problems 3
PS 303 Modern Physics 3
PS 305 Modern Physics Laboratory 1
PS 320 Classical Mechanics 3
Total Credits 32

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Summer Session
Course Title Credit
  HU/SS Upper-Level HU/SS Elective 3
ES 320 Engineering Materials Science 2
ES 321 Engineering Materials Science Laboratory 1
EE 335 Electrical Engineering I 2
EE 336 Electrical Engineering I Laboratory 1
Total Credits 9

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Fourth Year
Course Title Credit
EP 505 Advanced Spacecraft Dynamics & Control 3
EP 5XX Graduate Elective 3
EP 391 Microcomputers & Electronic Instrumentation 3
EP 410 Space Physics 3
EP 440 Engineering Electricity and Magnetism 3
EP 455 Quantum Physics 3
EP 496 Space Systems Design I 2
EP 497 Space Systems Design II 3
ME 200 Machine Shop Laboratory 1
Total Credits 24
Total Degree Credits 130

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Graduate-Level Studies
Course Title Credit
EP 509 Advanced Space Physics 3
EP 600 Experimental Methods in Space Science 3
EP 605 Spacecraft Power & Thermal Design 3
Option I - Thesis
EP 700 Thesis 9
  - AND -  
Option II - Non-Thesis
  Graduate Electives 12
Total Credits 21
Total BS/MS Degree Credits 151

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OTHER LINKS

Department of Physical Sciences - Daytona Beach, FL

Engineering Physics Research Programs

Space Physics Bachelor of Science - Daytona Beach, Fla.

Master of Science in Engineering Physics (Space Science) - Daytona Beach, Fla.

Engineering Virtual Library

 

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CAREER OUTLOOK

The Embry-Riddle Connection Gives You the Best Shot At Aerospace Careers

Co-ops, Internships & Employment Opportunities

Many Engineering Physics students expand their education through co-ops and internships, which often lead to job offers. Students have received offers from companies such as:

United Space Alliance
Computational Physics
NASA
Boeing Aerospace
Lockheed-Martin
Space Camp

Engineering students at Embry-Riddle enjoy benefits not available at other universities: Smaller classroom sizes, state of the art facilities, and an actual hands-on curriculum as opposed to the more theoretical programs offered at other schools. The superior education our engineering students receive greatly enhances their market value upon graduation.

The Embry-Riddle Advantage: The Career Services Office

One of the most valuable benefits of being a student or alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is access to the resources of the Career Services Office.

The Career Services Office provides career development assistance to all students and alumni of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, regardless of campus affiliation. The Daytona Beach office serves Daytona Beach, Worldwide Campus, and Worldwide Online students. Prescott campus students are served by the Prescott office.

The Career Services Web site offers students and alumni:

  • A virtual library of job search aids including interview tips
  • An alumni network which enables students to contact alumni throughout the United States and abroad to learn more about their careers and employers.
  • Sample résumés and cover letters
  • Company profiles and employment hotlines
  • Cooperative education opportunities
  • Current job listings; and
  • A Web-based résumé referral service

A career fair is hosted at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses each fall. Throughout each year, dozens of companies visit the campuses to recruit students and to provide information about their industry. On-campus interviews are also scheduled year-round.

The Career Services Office employs a staff of program managers to provide one-on-one career advisement, mock interviews, and résumé critique services. The Career Services Office encourages students to make contact early in their Embry-Riddle educations to explore career options and develop a successful job search strategy.

More From the Career Services Office

Career Advisement
Several degree-specific program managers are available for assistance with career choice/change, exploration of career opportunities, and development of job search techniques.

Career Resource Center
The Career Resource Center is a library of information that includes addresses and information on potential employers, as well as information on hiring trends, salaries, and other career references. The Career Resource Center is continuously updated and expanded to meet student needs. The Career Services Web site also serves as a virtual resource center with links to job listings, salary information, sample résumés, interview preparation, and company Web sites.

EagleHire Network
The EagleHire Network allows students and alumni to submit résumés directly to employers seeking full-time and co-op/internship candidates. EagleHire is a free service and is available to all students and alumni of the University.

Cooperative Education/Internship Program
Cooperative education positions provide an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience while earning college credit, learn about their chosen field, and establish contacts in the industry. Co-ops and internships are opportunities to earn college credit while gaining career-related work experience for undergraduate and graduate students.