The engineering physics major prepares you to embark on your engineering career and experience the benefits of a small liberal arts university.

Why Study Engineering Physics at Pacific University?

As an engineering physics major, you’ll collaborate with a close-knit community of students and faculty on hands-on engineering projects and research. Our challenging and rewarding engineering physics curriculum blends classroom lecture and hands-on, inquiry-based lab activities. You’ll have access to the Boxer Makerspace, which includes specialized equipment such as 3D printers (resin and filament based), a CNC machine, and 3D scanners. 

One of the best things about studying engineering physics at Pacific University is that you'll get a well-rounded education. You'll take classes in physics, math, and engineering, but you'll also have the opportunity to explore other subjects that interest you, such as business, computer science, or environmental science. This will give you a broad perspective that will be valuable when you begin your career or apply to graduate school. Through hands-on lab activities, presentations, collaborative projects and research, you’ll develop communication, collaboration, and writing skills that engineers use every day.

Engineering physics majors complete a capstone design project and have the opportunity to pursue internships for real-life work experience. You could choose an internship, mentoring or field experience with Clean Water Services in their innovation lab, or leverage faculty’s connections with Intel and the Oregon Manufacturing and Innovation Center (OMIC) to explore internship opportunities.

What Can You Do with an Engineering Physics Degree?

An engineering physics major will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in a variety of engineering fields, from biomedical engineering to civil engineering to mechanical engineering. Engineering physics graduates are qualified to take engineering exams, apply to graduate school, or enter the workforce in a variety of roles and industries.

Engineers earn good salaries, and their job prospects are strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the engineering sector is projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031, and add about 91,300 new jobs over the decade.  In 2022, the median annual salary for engineers was $94,670.

Shannon Gallagher ’21, Professor Andy Dawes, and Enrique Casas Cofraida ’23 with the electric car
Pacific physics and engineering students gain hands-on skills through research opportunities, like this student project working on an electric-human hybrid vehicle.

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Professor Andy Dawes and Kevin McGee '18 in Pacific's physics and engineering department laser lab

Engineering physics major and astrophysics minor join a robust Physics & Engineering Department that offers hands-on experience. The new major and minor open to students in Fall 2023.

Kevin Carr

Pacific University College of Education Professor Kevin Carr and College of Arts & Sciences Professor Kevin Johnson were awarded funding for their research into the effectiveness and retention of K-12 science and mathematics teachers in Oregon.

Classroom presentation

Pacific University is embarking on a coordinated program to increase support for undergraduate students under a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.