Engineering Physics, B.S.


With a degree in engineering physics from LR, you can find a fulfilling career in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical and optical engineering, applied science and technologies, physics and more.

The engineering physics major combines a rich foundation in traditional physics study with a curriculum designed to support your professional and academic goals regarding engineering-related fields.

The program gives you the perfect combination of knowledge gained through rigorous classroom work with fun, experiential learning opportunities to put you at the front of the line for cutting-edge careers or prepare you for graduate school at the best universities in the country.

Students in LR’s engineer physics program have attended graduate school and been accepted into Ph.D. programs at UCLA, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech and Clemson, while others have interned at NASA and for the Aerospace Corporation and gone on to work for Rolls Royce Corporation and for Lockheed Martin working in aerospace, arms and defense.

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Take the next step toward completing your B.S. in Engineering Physics degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Two Tracks


  • Traditional track: 36-38 course hours that include courses in analytical physics, classical and quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism and kinetic energy and thermodynamics.
  • Biophysics track: 69-71 course hours that include courses in physics, biology and chemistry

In addition to these two physics tracks, the program also offers courses in earth science and astronomy. Minors are available in astronomy, earth science and physics.

Qualified students may also participate in LR’s 3+2 Pre-Engineering program with our partner universities in North Carolina and South Carolina. This program has been approved by the Subcommittee on Engineering Transfer to allow articulation and transfer to the engineering programs at North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Additionally, LR sustains a similar partnership with Clemson University. Upon completion of the 96 hours of pre-engineering” curriculum, qualified students who are admitted by the partner institution may transfer to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s (or higher) degree in engineering. These hours “articulate” back and count toward completion of a bachelor’s degree at LR. Learn more about our pre-professional opportunities.

Physics is also an essential component, as is major or appropriate coursework, in preparation for a number of graduate professional programs.

Demarius Hampton, Kyle Duggar and Dr. Doug Knight

LR taught us to use our time wisely and has provided me with a ‘keep moving forward' mentality. And Dr. Knight has always helped show us what we could be.

Demarius Hampton '19, Engineering Physics

Learning Outside the Classroom


Future employers and post-graduate schools will look at your entire undergraduate work both inside and outside the classroom. Take full advantage of all opportunities that are available to you at LR, including research, study abroad, internships, student clubs and organizations.

  • Research

    Engineering physics students complete an independent research project - performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation – and you present your findings to faculty and peers as part of their degree requirements. These opportunities for independent research provide exceptional preparation for professional pathways after graduation.

  • Internships

    Students will also often have opportunities to participate in internships. Work study opportunities are also available on campus, through which qualified students can gain valuable experience serving as lab assistants in the pPhysics program.

  • Careers

    A degree in engineering physics opens up a diversity of career options for graduates—both because of the specific training in the content of the discipline and due to the general skills encouraged in the study of Physics, e.g., problem-solving, analytical thinking, numeracy, data analysis.

    The majority of physics and engineering physics majors go on to pursue advanced degrees in professional and/or academic settings. The engineering physics major prepares students for careers in technology and science, in both industry and academia.

    Students (sometimes with additional education) may choose from many fields of engineering, climatology and meteorology, energy, aerospace, medicine and healthcare, construction and transportation, among many other areas.

    Learn about career development support services
  • Student Activities

    Rocket Club

    We field a rocketry team that has competed in the NASA University Student Launch Initiative in Alabama and was selected to participate in Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico against rocketry teams from throughout the world.

    Lectures & Networking

    The College of Natural Science hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community. Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.

    Astronomy

    Physics students have the opportunity to view the stars, planets and moon though The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club. Club members assist with public star gazes at the observatory atop the Minges Science Building on the LR campus. We have a 12.5-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope and observatory on the roof of Minges Science Building that can be used in astronomy classes and research opportunities.

News & Events

Kyle Dugger, Demarius Hampton and Saaehim Brooks coded and engineered a laser-timed 40-yard dash machine for their research physics class project.

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The LR Rocket team was selected as 1 of 150 teams across the globe to compete in the 2020 Spaceport America Cup in Las Cruces, New Mexico against teams from Russia, Brazil, Pakistan, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Switzerland and more.

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