Physics+Engineering Dual-Degree Program
Now students in north central Indiana can begin their studies toward an engineering degree close to home, at Indiana University South Bend, earn an ABET-accredited degree in mechanical or electrical engineering from a regional campus of Purdue University, and earn a bachelor's degree in physics from IU along the way!
How It Works
In the fall of 2004 IU South Bend entered into a unique partnership with
two campuses of Purdue University - Purdue University Calumet, in
Hammond, and Indiana University Purdue
University Fort Wayne (IPFW) - which allows
students to begin their studies at IU South Bend, transfer after at least three
years to one of the Purdue campuses for two more years of study, and earn
both a B.S. in physics from IU and a B.S. in either mechanical or electrical
engineering from Purdue. Students who are well prepared (i.e. those who
can enroll in college level calculus in their first semester at IU South Bend) can
complete the two degrees in five years of full-time study. This is possible
because some of the engineering courses taken at the Purdue campus can be
transferred back to IU South Bend and applied toward the physics major requirements.
Students receive the B.S. in physics from IU South Bend upon completing the requirements
for the Applied Physics Track
of the B.S degree.
Why Two Degrees?
Earning degrees in both physics and engineering expands your
post-baccalaureate opportunities. With an ABET-accredited engineering
degree, you'll be well qualified to pursue employment in industry. With
a B.S. in physics, you'll also be in a good position to pursue graduate
study in physics or a related field, if you decide pure science is more
to your liking. In addition, the combination of the technical training
of an engineering program and the pure-science focus of a physics degree
program will give you skills that graduates with only one of these degrees
will lack.
How to Apply
Students who wish to pursue this program should apply for admission to
IU South Bend just as any other prospective student would. When you express an
interest in engineering, you will be directed to the Department of
Physics and Astronomy for academic advising. When you near the end of
the IU South Bend portion of the program, you will apply for transfer admission
to the Purdue campus, with the help of faculty advisors in the IU South Bend
physics department. Students who complete the IU South Bend portion of the
program with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA are guaranteed admission to
the engineering program at either Purdue-Calumet or IPFW.
