Combined Physics/Engineering Program

Loyola offers a five year combined degree in conjunction with Columbia University known as the “3-2 Program.” For physics majors, this leads to a B.S. in physics with a focus in applied sciences from Loyola and a B.S. in engineering from the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at Columbia University. Students will take courses from Loyola for the first three years and courses from SEAS for the following two years. This program allows students to access the best of both worlds – a strong liberal arts education from Loyola and training in an engineering field from a major research institution. Due to the intensive nature of this program, interested students should consult with the chair of the physics department as soon as possible.

The following majors are available at Columbia University:

• Applied mathematics
• Applied physics
• Biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Computer science
• Earth and environmental engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Engineering mechanics
• Engineering and management systems
• Industrial engineering
• Materials science and engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Operations research

A sample schedule for the first three years at Loyola is shown below. Students must fulfill Loyola’s core requirements and physics foundation courses within the first three years. In addition, microeconomics and two semesters of general chemistry are required. Fulfillment of these requirements with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average and a letter of recommendation from the 3-2 director at Loyola will guarantee admission to Columbia.

   
 
Between Jan. 1 and March 1 of the junior year, the student must submit application materials to Columbia University for admission in the subsequent fall semester (fourth year).

Alternatives

If a student is interested in physics and engineering but wishes to complete a four year undergraduate program, there are three alternatives to the above:

• The student can complete a B.S. in physics with the applied science track. This includes the physics foundation courses plus six courses in an area of focus such as one of the subfields of engineering.  These courses enable the student to design and tailor a portion of the major to the interests and career goals of the student.  To find out more, click here.
• The student can complete a B.S. in engineering science. Loyola offers an accredited B.S. in engineering science with available areas of concentration in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science. An engineering science major can use non-departmental electives to take physics courses.  A student can major in engineering science and minor in physics.
• A student can complete four years of study and a B.S. in physics or engineering science at Loyola, and then continue on to earn a Master of Science in engineering or physics from another institution in approximately two years.