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Physics and Engineering
Dual Degree Program

(Printable version)

Students who choose to complete the physics and engineering dual degree program will receive a UW-Eau Claire physics degree in conjunction with an engineering school degree – all in approximately five years. To do this, students start out pursuing a physics degree at UW-Eau Claire. They'll take a number of courses in physics, chemistry and computer science, as well as math, English and general education. After successfully completing the course requirements and meeting a set of criteria, they can choose to transfer to either UW-Madison College of Engineering or the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology in the Twin Cities to begin the course work for an engineering degree.

What are the benefits of the dual degree program?

  • Increased employment marketability. The physics and engineering dual degree program is designed to give students expanded opportunities and a competitive edge when applying for internships and employment after graduation.
  • Greater flexibility in choosing a major. Because the courses for the first two years of the dual degree program are the same as those for the pre-engineering program, students can wait until their junior year to make the decision to either pursue a dual degree in physics and engineering or transfer to an engineering school. In addition, upper-level UW-Eau Claire students working toward a physics degree can switch to the dual degree program and still be on track to earn both degrees.
  • Stronger foundation in math and physics. Ask any engineer – math and physics are essential skills for anyone pursuing a career in engineering. The physics degree curriculum at UW-Eau Claire provides a stronger foundation in math and physics than those courses required for an engineering degree alone.
  • Dedicated faculty in a nurturing environment. When you start your dual degree program at UW-Eau Claire, you'll find small classes taught by talented professors who know your name. You'll work alongside faculty outside class, conducting research, publishing scholarly articles or just sharing ideas.

The Eau Claire Advantage

Learn about the advantages of studying physics and engineering at UW-Eau Claire.


Dual degree requirements

Students must satisfy the 36-credit Liberal Arts Physics Major/Dual Degree Emphasis requirements as well as the University and College of Arts and Sciences requirements. Also, students must meet the course requirements for their specific engineering discipline from either UW-Madison College of Engineering or the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. Each engineering school has different entrance requirements and offers different fields within the program. To learn more about UW-Eau Claire requirements for the physics degree, go to www.uwec.edu/physics/major/Dual.

Engineering school requirements

UW-Madison

Students must have a 3.0 overall grade-point average to transfer into the College of Engineering at UW-Madison. Principal fields within the engineering program at UW-Madison are:

  • Civil engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Engineering physics
  • Industrial engineering
  • Materials engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Nuclear engineering

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Students must have a 2.8 GPA to transfer into the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota. Principal fields within the engineering program are:

  • Aerospace engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Materials engineering
  • Mechanical engineering

High school preparation

All students who enroll at UW-Eau Claire are required to have a minimum of 17 college preparatory units including:
– 4 years of English (at least 3 composition and literature)
– 2 years of a single foreign language
– 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, 1 advanced college preparatory math)
– 3 years of natural science
– 3 years of social science (1 must be world or American history)
– 2 additional units in the areas already mentioned or other academic areas


Freshman course work (sample first year)

Fall Semester

  • Phys 231, University Physics I, 5 credits
  • Math 114, Calculus I, 4 credits
  • Wellness concepts course, 1 credit
  • Health related fitness course, 1 credit
  • Eng 110, Introduction to College Writing, 5 credits
    or
  • Chem 103, General Chemistry I, 5 credits

Spring Semester

  • Phys 232, University Physics II, 5 credits
  • Math 215, Calculus II, 4 credits
  • GE-III Elective, 3 credits
  • Eng 110, Introduction to College Writing, 5 credits
    or
  • Chem 103, General Chemistry I, 5 credits

Note: Students planning to transfer to UW-Madison should consult with a dual degree adviser before signing up for a computer science course.


For more information:

For more information about UW-Eau Claire’s dual degree program, contact:
Dr. Kim W. Pierson
Dual Degree Advisor
Phillips Hall 235
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
715-836-5009

For more information about campus including costs, housing, admission requirements and tours:
Admissions
Schofield Hall 112
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
715-836-5415
admissions@uwec.edu




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