Description:

 

Engineering physics is the study of the combined disciplines of physics, engineering and mathematics in order to develop an understanding of the interrelationships of these three disciplines. Engineering Physics emphasizes the application of basic scientific principles to the design of equipment, which includes electronic and electro-mechanical systems, for use in measurements, communications, and data acquisition.

 

The program is recommended for students interested in newly developing areas of physics, high technology, instrumentation and communications.

 

 

Career Paths:

 

Engineering physics...

• ...allows students develop a thorough understanding of fundamentals of physics and the application of this knowledge to practical problems

• ...prepares them for careers in engineering, applied science or applied physics with positions in industry, national research laboratories, universities or even as scientific entrepreneurs.

• ...teaches skills applicable for most engineering and scientific career paths, opening up the opportunities avaliable to students - instead of just being aplicable for science or engineering.

 

 

Education:

 

Earning an undergraduate degree in engineering and/or physics is a first step in the educational ladder of advancement. Course requirements can be especially hard when combining these disciplines; therefore, it is helpful is a student has a naturalaptitude for math and science. However, a student with a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed can be just as successful. Courses required when earning an undergraduate degree usually include the standard engineering and physics classes, along withclasses in quantum mechanics, chemical engineering andbiomedical engineering to round out this intensive curriculum.

 

Upon the completion of undergraduate studies in engineering physics, most individuals go on to work toward aMaster’sdegree.In addition to completing basic graduate level requirements, students must also decide upon an area of specialization to focus on. At this level, students might focus on specific areas of engineering physics such as optics, lasers, and plasmas. For example,a studentwho chose to focus on aerospace engineering would take additional classes focusing on subject matter such ascharacterization, design and uses of lasers, and optical systems, as well as courses on energy weapons and tracking and imaging devices).

 

After the completion of a Masters degree, you can also go further and study a Ph.D.

 

 

 

Average salary:

 

Because of the limitless employment opportunities for individuals with a background in engineering physics, it is virtually impossible to put a capped amount on salary estimations. 

 

One of the main determining factors of annual income of an engineering physics salary is level of education. As a general rule, the higher the level of education, the greater the salary potential of the individual. For instance, an entry-level petroleum engineer with a bachelor’s degree earns a median income of approximately £58,578 yearly. However, income potential significantly climbs for engineers with a Masters degree or higher. For these graduates, entry-level jobs for the same position climb up to a possible yearly income of approximately £75,100.

 

Some career choices pay better than others. Although there are many well-paying occupational choices for graduates with a degree in engineering physics, there are a few that stand out above the rest. Nuclear engineering jobs are some of the top paying positions at the bachelor’s degree level with an approximate yearly income starting at £62,483. Following in a close second are computer hardware engineers, earning £61,281 yearly and aerospace engineering jobs starting at £60,680 yearly.

 

Earning a PhD is no simple feat, however, as earning a PhD in engineering physics takes up to 5-7 additional years of study in addition to a traditional undergraduate degree. Therefore, it is no wonder, that these individuals earn the top wages in the top paying industrial and scientific engineering careers in the industry. According to payscale.com, individuals with a PhD in engineering physics earn an average median income of £72,084 - £76,889 yearly. In addition, PhD graduates go on to be recruited not only to these top paying positions, but also earn prestigious job titles and work in career positions at the top of their industries.