As an engineering physics major, you’ll dive into research alongside professors who work at the frontier of translating emerging science into novel technologies. With a curriculum designed specifically to launch your research career and a tight-knit community of scholars, you’ll find a supportive environment to pursue a flexible math- and physics-centered curriculum and publish an undergraduate thesis. The engineering physics major is ideal for students who are already thinking about graduate school and want the flexibility to design their undergraduate experience to support that goal—but it also prepares students to join high-tech startup companies developing new technologies.
Students choose from three flexible focus areas -- nanoengineering, plasma science and engineering, and scientific computing -- that include graduate-level courses and laboratory experiences. Students in nanoengineering take courses in physics, material science, engineering mechanics, and electrical engineering to learn how to design, build, and use innovative devices and structures at the nanoscale. Plasma science and engineering students join one of the largest university plasma and fusion communities in the world, with collaborations between physics, electrical engineering, and nuclear engineering, and world-leading facilities. Scientific computing can be applied to nearly every discipline in science, combining modern computing practices with scientific discovery in research groups across campus.
As some of our best and brightest engineering students, EP majors move quickly through fundamental math and physics courses, opening the door for more advanced courses that support their research interests. With more flexibility than most engineering majors, each student works with their faculty advisor to find a selection of courses that are tuned to their specific research needs. The senior thesis is a defining aspect of this program, where students summarize their research findings and present them to a committee of professors, and possibly publish a paper in a scientific journal.
At the heart of the engineering physics program is a small learning community where students develop skills for conducting original research, with support from faculty and peers. The curriculum is designed to bring sophomores, juniors, and seniors together in a community where younger students learn from the general research experiences of their more senior counterparts. In addition, every student joins a research group where graduate students, post-docs, scientists, and faculty members support the specific skills and expertise needed for their research. Nearly all of our graduates go on to graduate degrees at the best universities in the U.S. and around the world and ultimately in careers in a variety of fields in academia, industry, or national laboratories.
Objectives of the Engineering Physics Program
- Educate students to think and participate deeply, creatively, and analytically in emerging areas of engineering technology.
- Educate students in the basics of instrumentation, design of laboratory techniques, measurement, data acquisition, interpretation, and analysis.
- Educate students in the methodology of research.
- Provide and facilitate teamwork and multidisciplinary experiences throughout the curriculum.
- Foster the development of effective oral and written communication skills.
- Expose students to environmental, ethical and contemporary issues.
How to Get in
Admission to the College as a First-Year Student
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Being directly admitted to a major means students will start in the program of their choice in the College of Engineering and will need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering
UW–Madison students in other schools and colleges on campus must meet minimum admission requirements for admission consideration to engineering degree programs. Cross-campus admission is competitive and selective, and the grade point average expectations may increase as demand trends change. The student’s overall academic record at UW–Madison is also considered. Students apply to their intended engineering program by submitting the online application by stated deadlines for spring and fall. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and drop-in advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their major in the college. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is competitive and selective, and students who have exceeded the 80 credit limit at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
The College of Engineering has dual degree programs with select four-year UW System campuses. Eligible dual degree applicants are not subject to the 80 credit limit.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer & Academic Program Manager in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu or 608-262-2473.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
Summary of Requirements
The following curriculum applies to students admitted to the engineering physics degree program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics | 25 | |
| Science | 28 | |
| Engineering Science | 25 | |
| Focus Area | 22 | |
| Technical Electives | 6 | |
| Communication Skills | 8 | |
| Liberal Studies | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 130 | |
Mathematics and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| or MATH 217 | Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables | 4 |
| MATH 319 | Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 321 | Applied Mathematical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 340 | Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 341 | Linear Algebra | |
| STAT 324 | Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| or STAT 311 | Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I | |
| or STAT/MATH 431 | Introduction to the Theory of Probability | |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 5-9 | |
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| PHYSICS 202 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
| PHYSICS 241 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 205 | Modern Physics for Engineers | |
| PHYSICS 322 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| E P 271 | Engineering Problem Solving I | 3 |
| or COMP SCI 200 | Programming I | |
| or COMP SCI 220 | Data Science Programming I | |
| or COMP SCI 310 | Problem Solving Using Computers | |
| M S & E 351 | Materials Science-Structure and Property Relations in Solids | 3 |
| or CBE 440 | Chemical Engineering Materials | |
| N E 305 | Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 531 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | |
| Computing Elective (select one) | 3 | |
| Programming II | ||
| Introduction to Numerical Methods (required for students in Scientific Computing Focus Area) | ||
| Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 28-32 | |
Engineering Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E M A 201 | Statics | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 201 | General Physics | |
| or PHYSICS 207 | General Physics | |
| PHYSICS 311 | Mechanics | 3 |
| or E M A 202 | Dynamics | |
| E M A 303 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| E M A/M E 307 | Mechanics of Materials Lab | 1 |
| M E 361 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| or M S & E 330 | Thermodynamics of Materials | |
| E C E 376 | Electrical and Electronic Circuits | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 321 | Electric Circuits and Electronics | |
| M E 363 | Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| M E 364 | Elementary Heat Transfer | 3 |
| or M S & E 331 | Transport Phenomena in Materials | |
| N E 231 | Introduction to Nuclear Engineering 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
- 1
This requirement can also be satisfied with a different introductory engineering course
Focus Area
Research and Development/Senior Thesis
Expectations for Research Projects
Completion of the engineering physics degree program requires satisfactory completion of the E P 468 Introduction to Engineering Research, E P 469 Research Proposal in Engineering Physics, E P 568 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics I, and E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II coursework sequence, which culminates in a senior research thesis. The research topic chosen by the student and agreed upon by the advisor should be on a topic connected to the chosen Focus Area. The research conducted should be such that the student participates in the creation of new knowledge, experiences the excitement of the research process, and makes a contribution so that it would be appropriate to include the student's name on a scholarly publication if one results from the research.
Senior Thesis
A senior thesis, completed during enrollment in E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II is required. The senior thesis is a written document reporting on a substantial piece of work. It should be written in the style of a graduate thesis. The faculty advisor, in consultation with a research mentor, determines the grade which the student receives for the thesis.
On or before the Friday of finals week of the semester in which E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II is taken, the senior thesis must be presented orally by the student to a committee of three professors in a publicly announced seminar. Interested faculty and students will be invited to attend.
Research and Development
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Development | 8 | |
| E P 468 | Introduction to Engineering Research | 1 |
| E P 469 | Research Proposal in Engineering Physics | 1 |
| E P 568 | Research Practicum in Engineering Physics I | 3 |
| E P 569 | Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II | 3 |
Focus Area Electives
Nanoengineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area Total Credits: | 14 | |
| Required: | ||
| PHYSICS 551 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
| At Least One of: | ||
| E P/E M A 615 | Micro- and Nanoscale Mechanics | 3 |
| M S & E 553 | Nanomaterials & Nanotechnology | 3 |
| At Least One of: | ||
| E M A 506 | Advanced Mechanics of Materials I | 3 |
| E M A 519 | Fracture Mechanics | 3 |
| At Least One of: | ||
| M S & E 448 | Crystallography and X-Ray Diffraction | 3 |
| E M A 611 | Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials | 3 |
| M E 601 | Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Micro Nano Fabrication) | 1-3 |
| N E 602 | Special Topics in Reactor Engineering (Vacuum Technology Lab) | 0-3 |
| PHYSICS 623 | Electronic Aids to Measurement | 4 |
| PHYSICS 625 | Applied Optics | 4 |
| M S & E 748 | Structural Analysis of Materials | 3 |
| Open Electives: | ||
| M S & E 333 | Microprocessing of Materials | 3 |
| E C E 335 | Microelectronic Devices | 3 |
| M S & E 434 | Introduction to Thin-Film Deposition Processes | 3 |
| M S & E 441 | Deformation of Solids | 3 |
| E C E 445 | Semiconductor Physics and Devices | 3 |
| M S & E 451 | Introduction to Ceramic Materials | 3 |
| E M A/M S & E 541 | Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials | 3 |
| M S & E 560 | Fundamentals of Atomistic Modeling | 3 |
| M S & E 570 | Properties of Solid Surfaces | 3 |
| CHEM 630 | Selected Topics in Analytical Chemistry | 1-3 |
| M S & E 756 | Structure and Properties of Advanced Electronic Materials | 3 |
Plasma Science and Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area Total Credits: | 14 | |
| Required: | ||
| N E/E C E/PHYSICS 525 | Introduction to Plasmas | 3 |
| At Least One of: | ||
| N E/E C E/PHYSICS 527 | Plasma Confinement and Heating | 3 |
| N E/E C E 528 | Plasma Processing and Technology | 3 |
| At Least One of: | ||
| N E 526 | Laboratory Course in Plasmas | 3 |
| Open Electives: | ||
| N E 408 | Ionizing Radiation | 3 |
| N E 536 | Feasibility of Fusion Power Plants based on Controlled Nuclear Fusion | 3 |
| Any plasma-related special topics course in NE | ||
| PHYSICS 415 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 623 | Electronic Aids to Measurement | 4 |
| PHYSICS 625 | Applied Optics | 4 |
| N E/E C E/PHYSICS 724 | Waves and Instabilities in Plasmas | 3 |
| N E/E C E/PHYSICS 725 | Plasma Kinetic Theory and Radiation Processes | 3 |
| N E/E C E/PHYSICS 726 | Plasma Magnetohydrodynamics | 3 |
Scientific Computing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area Total Credits: | 14 | |
| At Least One of: | ||
| N E/MED PHYS 506 | Monte Carlo Radiation Transport | 3 |
| M E 573 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| E M A 605 | Introduction to Finite Elements | 3 |
| E C E 742 | Computational Methods in Electromagnetics | 3 |
| At Least One of: | ||
| Students must take at least two credits of laboratory experience in the Physical or Biological Sciences beyond the required chemistry and mechanics of materials courses | ||
| Open Electives: | ||
| E P/E M A 476 | Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics | 3 |
| COMP SCI 300 | Programming II | 3 |
| COMP SCI/MATH 513 | Numerical Linear Algebra | 3 |
| COMP SCI/MATH 514 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| COMP SCI/I SY E/MATH/STAT 525 | Linear Optimization | 3 |
| COMP SCI/E C E/M E 532 | Matrix Methods in Machine Learning | 3 |
| COMP SCI/E C E/M E 539 | Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks | 3 |
| COMP SCI 540 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| COMP SCI/E C E 561 | Probability and Information Theory in Machine Learning | 3 |
| COMP SCI 577 | Introduction to Algorithms | 4 |
| COMP SCI/MATH 714 | Methods of Computational Mathematics I | 3 |
| COMP SCI/MATH 715 | Methods of Computational Mathematics II | 3 |
| M S & E 560 | Fundamentals of Atomistic Modeling | 3 |
| M E 459 | Computing Concepts for Applications in Engineering | 3 |
| M E/COMP SCI/E C E/E M A/E P 759 | High Performance Computing for Applications in Engineering | 3 |
| Any scientific-computing-related special topics course in NE | ||
Technical Elective
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits from: | 6 | |
Co-op (no more than 3 credits) | ||
Courses numbered 300+ in the CoE except for E P D/INTEREGR | ||
Courses numbered 300+ in MATH, PHYSICS, COMP SCI, STAT (except STAT 301), ASTRON, MED PHYS, and CHEM departments | ||
Students may also propose any class that they feel will benefit their education path with pre-requisite of two physics or calculus classes. For these courses the advisor will review the request and if approved, recommend a DARS substitution. | ||
Communication Skills
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | 3 |
| or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
| or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
| or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
| E P D 275 | Technical Presentations | 2 |
| INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Liberal Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Requirements 1 | ||
- 1
Students must take 16 credits that carry H, S, L, or Z breadth designators. These credits must fulfill the following subrequirements:
- A minimum of two courses from the same subject area (the description before the course number). At least one of these two courses must be designated as above the elementary level (I, A, or D) in the course listing.
- A minimum of 6 credits designated as humanities (H, L, or Z in the course listing), and an additional minimum of 3 credits designated as social science (S or Z in the course listing). Foreign language courses count as H credits. Retroactive credits for language courses may not be used to meet the Liberal Studies credit requirement (they can be used for subrequirement 1 above).
- At least 3 credits in courses designated as ethnic studies (lower case “e” in the course listing). These courses may help satisfy subrequirements 1 and 2 above, but they only count once toward the total required. Note: Some courses may have “e” designation but not have H, S, L, or Z designation; these courses do not count toward the Liberal Studies requirement.
Total Credits: 130–132
For information on credit load, adding or dropping courses, course substitutions, pass/fail, auditing courses, dean's honor list, repeating courses, probation, and graduation, see the College of Engineering Official Regulations.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering research practices to produce results that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to apply experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to address scientific and engineering objectives
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Four-Year Plan
Sample Four-Year Plan
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 1091 | 5 | E M A 201 or PHYSICS 201 | 3-5 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| Communications A | 3 | N E 2312 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | STAT 324 | 3 |
| 16 | 13-15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| E P 4683 | 1 | MATH 319 | 3 |
| MATH 234 | 4 | PHYSICS 205 or 241 | 3 |
| PHYSICS 202 | 5 | E M A 202 or PHYSICS 311 | 3 |
| M S & E 351 | 3 | E M A 303 | 3 |
| E P D 275 | 2 | E M A/M E 307 | 1 |
| E P 271 | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| 18 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| N E 3055 | 3 | PHYSICS 5315 | 3 |
or Technical Elective | or Technical Elective | ||
| MATH 321 | 3 | MATH 340 or 341 | 3 |
| M E 361 or M S & E 330 | 3-4 | Liberal Studies Elective | 4 |
| PHYSICS 3224 | 3 | Advanced Computer Science | 3 |
| E C E 376 or PHYSICS 321 | 3-4 | E P Focus Area Course | 3 |
| E P 469 | 1 | ||
| 16-18 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| E P 568 | 3 | E P 569 | 3 |
| M E 363 | 3 | M E 364 or M S & E 331 | 3 |
| E P Focus Area Course | 3 | E P Focus Area Course | 2 |
| E P Focus Area Course | 3 | E P Focus Area Course | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | INTEREGR 397 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 130-134 | |||
- 1
It is recommended that students take CHEM 109 Advanced General Chemistry for 5 credits. However, depending on their high school chemistry experience, students may substitute this with CHEM 103 General Chemistry I and CHEM 104 General Chemistry II for a total of 9 credits.
- 2
Students who were not able to take an introductory engineering course as freshmen may, with the approval of their advisor, substitute a course offered in the College of Engineering or in the departments of Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics.
- 3
Students are encouraged to take E P 468 Introduction to Engineering Research during their second year to allow for more flexibility in the research sequence.
- 4
Topics from MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis are applied in PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields, and some students may find it helpful to take PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields after MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis if PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields is not required for focus area courses.
- 5
Students in the nanoengineering focus area should take PHYSICS 531 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors support and coach students through their transition to college and their academic program all the way through graduation.
Advisors help students navigate the highly structured engineering curricula and course sequencing, working with them to select courses each semester.
When facing a challenge or making a plan toward a goal, students can start with their academic advisor. There are many outstanding resources at UW–Madison, and academic advisors are trained to help students navigate these resources. Advisors not only inform students about the various resources, but they help reduce the barriers between students and campus resources to help students feel empowered to pursue their goals and communicate their needs.
Students can find their assigned advisor in their MyUW Student Center.
Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in finding work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment.
ECS offers two large career fairs per year, assists students with resume building and developing interviewing skills, hosts skill-building workshops, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to engage with the ECS office early in their academic careers. For more information on ECS programs and workshops, visit: https://ecs.wisc.edu.
People
Professors
Paul Wilson (Chair)
Wendy Crone
Chris Hegna
Oliver Schmitz
Carl Sovinec
Kumar Sridharan
Associate Professors
Adrien Couet
Assistant Professors
Stephanie Diem
Juliana Pacheco Duarte
Benedikt Geiger
Ben Lindley
Adelle Wright
Yongfeng Zhang
See also Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics Faculty Directory.
Resources and Scholarships
Facilities
Facilities available for instruction and research include:
Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Laboratories
Instructional Computing Labs (in Computer Aided Engineering)
Nanomechanics Laboratory
Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory
Plasma Physics Laboratories
Superconductivity and Cryogenics Laboratories
Scholarships
The Department of Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics and the College of Engineering have several types of scholarships available to incoming and current engineering students. Students should explore the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH), where you can apply to and find specific information on scholarships at UW–Madison. You can use WiSH to find engineering scholarships available through the College of Engineering; the Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity in Engineering Student Center; the Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics Department; and other UW and external organizations. (Please note: students must be currently enrolled in, or have applied to, the College of Engineering to be considered for engineering scholarships.) To be matched with these available scholarship funds an application is required and the system is typically open to students in the spring of each year. Questions on the process can be directed to: coescholarships@engr.wisc.edu. Additional financial assistance may be awarded through the Office of Student Financial Aid (333 E. Campus Mall Room 9701, 608-262-3060).