Program Overview

Do you want to investigate the limits of space, the beginning of time, and everything in between? How about not only understanding the technology around us, but being a part of the next breakthrough? If so, then an education in physics and engineering is for you! The Physics and Engineering Department at West Chester University offers comprehensive degree programs in Physics, Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. Each of these degrees leads to a plethora of rewarding and impactful careers. Physics is more than a subject; it is a way of understanding the world. The analytic and problem-solving skills you will master in your physics education are sought after on the job market and will benefit you at every step in your career. So, whether you pursue a career in research, engineering, industry, education, medicine, or law, a degree in physics is an excellent way to get started!

 

Tracks

B.S. in Physics

The B.S. in Physics program prepares students for graduate school and careers in science and technology, including positions in industry, academia and government. The curriculum includes a strong foundation in physics, mathematics and the humanities. In addition, courses within the curriculum develop communication and laboratory skills. Many students in this program engage in research projects with West Chester faculty. A wide choice of electives provides the flexibility for a minor in a related area of interest.

3-2 Physics and Engineering

The B.S. Physics/B.S. Engineering program is a 5-year dual-degree program. A student in this program spends three years at West Chester, then two years at one of our partner institutions. Upon completing this program a student earns both a B.S. in Physics from West Chester University and a bachelor's degree in engineering from the partner institution. Coursework at West Chester provides the foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as well related topics such as computer programming and economics, necessary for an engineering career. Students adopt an engineering specialty upon matriculating to the partner institution. Currently, our partner institutions are Case Western Reserve University, Penn State University, and Jefferson University.

B.S. in Physics Education

The B.S. in Physics Education program provides a solid background in physics, mathematics, and related sciences in preparation for a teaching career in secondary education. Students who complete this program earn a B.S.Ed. degree as well as teacher certification in the state of Pennsylvania. Our program is NCATE accredited and fully compliant with PA State Legislation governing secondary education programs. The degree requirements include 24 core credits in Physics and a full semester of student teaching at a regional high school.

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

Read more about the Biomedical Engineering Program
 

Program Highlights

  • Degree programs in Physics, over 20 areas in Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering.

  • Small upper-level classes (around 10 students) allow for close faculty-student interactions and mentoring

  • Students engage in cutting-edge research with WCU faculty and their collaborations

  • B.S.Ed. program is a member of the 5+ Club 

  • Study abroad opportunities including studying modern physics in London

 

What can I do with this degree?

WCU Physics and Engineering alums enjoy careers in research, engineering, academia, secondary education, government, medicine, and law. Some of our recent graduates hold the following job titles: 

  • Category sales manager, hydrocolloids 
  • Consultant 
  • Design partner 
  • Director of quantitative analysis 
  • Drafter 
  • Mechanical engineer 
  • Medical dosimetrist 
  • Medical physicist
  • Process development engineer 
  • Project designer 
  • Project engineer 
  • Recording engineer 
  • SAT tutor 
  • Senior data scientist 
  • Systems engineer 
  • Technical training specialist 
  • Web designer

Our alumni have also gone on to pursue graduate programs across the country, including: 

  • Bryn Mawr College 
  • Drexel University 
  • Pennsylvania State University 
  • Temple University 
  • Thomas Jefferson University 
  • University of Cincinnati College of medicine 
  • University of Pennsylvania 
  • Villanova University
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NEWSWORTHY

Haley Buckner (B.S. Physics ’18) is now a first-year doctoral student in Materials Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While at WCU, Haley conducted research with Prof. Kandalam, completed a Nation Science Foundation REU program at Vanderbilt University, and was the president of WCU’s chapter of the Society of Physics Students.