Bachelor of Science in Applied & Engineering Physics
Put scientific theory into practice while gaining career skills with this Bachelor of Science degree.
Social:
At the University of Michigan-Flint, our innovative physics classrooms let you apply theoretical instruction to hands-on lab learning within minutes. We also cap our introductory courses at 32 students, allowing for more individualized attention and support from our faculty.
As the most fundamental science, applied and engineering physics bridges a number of different scientific disciplines and career fields. Even if you don’t plan a career in applied and engineering physics, our courses in physics, astronomy, scientific inquiry, and integrated science education will prepare you for a career in fields that incorporate these subjects – fields like biology, chemistry, computer science, digital manufacturing, education, and health sciences, among others.
Grad Testimonial
“The UM-Flint campus has really given me a lot. I found so many opportunities that I’m not sure I would have gotten at a larger school. I really enjoyed my time and the personal connections I was able to make.”
-Ayana Ghosh, Physics/Abstract Mathematics, 2015
Physics emphasizes critical thinking followed by experiments. As an applied and engineering physics major, you learn skills that employers value across a wide range of careers. Some of them include:
- Critical thinking
- Complex problem-solving
- Applying theory to real-world settings
- Research design and analysis
- Clear oral and written communication
- Collaborative teamwork
Over the last two decades, more than two-thirds of UM-Flint’s applied and engineering physics graduates have attended doctoral programs at schools like UC Berkeley, Yale and Texas A&M. The other third obtained professional positions in the science and engineering fields.
ON THIS PAGE
Why choose UM-Flint?
The quality of our faculty is the most important reason to study physics at UM-Flint. They’re scholars with expertise in areas such as applied physics, theoretical physics, and astronomy who are engaged in research. But they’re here because they love teaching and helping students succeed.
Here are a few other reasons you should study applied and engineering physics at UM-Flint:
- Almost all of our graduates give presentations at a local research conference, and many present at regional and national conferences of the American Physical Society.
- You can gain valuable paid experience as a supplemental instructor for physics courses.
- The Society of Physics Students club gives you the opportunity to meet students with similar interests, learn about research on campus, and take trips to places like the Argonne National Lab in Chicago.
- You can study cutting-edge ideas by joining a faculty member’s research group.
- In a paid or volunteer role, you can develop your research skills while working side-by-side with faculty on state-of-the-art research in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program or its summer counterpart, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, which offers full- and half-time positions.
- By volunteering at UM-Flint’s High School Physics Competition, you can help introduce high school students to physics principles and experimentation.
- Local science initiatives like the Flint Regional Science & Engineering Fair, UM-Flint’s Super Science Friday and the UM-Flint GEMS summer camp would welcome your volunteer help.
Free Tuition with the Go Blue Guarantee!
UM-Flint students are automatically considered, upon admission, for the Go Blue Guarantee, a historic program offering free tuition for high-achieving, in-state undergraduates from lower-income households. Learn more about the Go Blue Guarantee to see if you qualify and how affordable a Michigan degree can be.
Curriculum Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Applied & Engineering Physics curriculum stands out as a popular choice for students aiming to pursue graduate studies, as it equips them with a robust understanding of both theoretical principles and practical applications.
Additionally, students can enrich their academic experience by opting for a physics minor, designed to complement a wide range of major disciplines and enhance critical reasoning and analytical skills.
Career Outlook
Your bachelor’s degree in applied & engineering physics from UM-Flint will open the door to a huge range of career options. Consider these job projections for just a few possibilities from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Physicists and Astronomers
8%
Job growth through 2031
2,100
Job openings annually through 2031
$147,450
Median annual salary
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
25%
Job growth through 2031
162,900
Job openings annually through 2031
$109,020
Median annual salary
Computer Systems Analysts
9%
Job growth through 2031
44,500
Job openings annually through 2031
$99,270
Median annual salary
Get Started on Your Applied & Engineering Physics Career Today
If you want a degree that provides a strong academic foundation for graduate school and skills that open the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities, apply to UM-Flint’s physics program today. If you have questions, you can contact the program’s dedicated academic advisor.
Academic Advisor
Scholarships
UM-Flint has several scholarships specifically for applied and engineering physics students, including:
- Loretta Dauwe Physics Scholarship
- Ralph M. and Emmalyn E. Freeman Computer Science, Engineering, and Physics Scholarship
- David G. Zick Scholarship