Loyola University Chicago

Department of Physics

Physics (BS) + Engineering (BS)

‌If you are a student who recognizes the value of broadening your educational experience to include one of the fundamental sciences, as well as liberal arts and engineering, Loyola University Chicago's Dual-Degree Physics/Engineering Program may be just right for you.

Program Outcomes

In this program, a student can earn two baccalaureate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor in Engineering from an affiliated engineering school. Typically, three years of study in the social sciences, humanities, mathematics and physical sciences at Loyola are required, followed by two years of concentrated engineering studies at the school of engineering. 

Loyola University Chicago has formal affiliations with Washington University in St. Louis, Columbia University in New York City, and with Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.

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Students can also choose other schools that suit their interest to complete the engineering degree. Many of our students have completed their engineering degrees at other universities such as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, and Iowa State University to complete their engineering studies.

Using as starting point the outstanding education in the Jesuit tradition offered by Loyola, which emphasizes breadth and depth of training in the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, upon completion of this dual degree program students will:

  • Gain foundational understanding of physics, a fundamental science that has broad application in existing and emerging technologies;
  • Acquire the intermediate level of mathematical tools needed to effectively address physics and engineering problems;
  • Possess an understanding of the fundamental engineering fields, and the ability to apply their combined Physics/Engineering knowledge to solve real world problems in the engineering field of their choosing (mechanical, chemical, biomedical, electrical, civil industrial, computer, systems, environmental, and financial–engineering);
  • Gain an understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary approach in the physical and engineering sciences.

From a practical point of view, Dual-Degree graduates in Physics and Engineering have many more avenues open for employment than single-degree graduate. This is especially true in areas that require interdisciplinary skills. With broad training in science and liberal arts, plus an engineering specialty, Dual-Degree graduates are well-positioned to assume leadership roles in their respective fields.

For information about various branches of engineering, here are a few useful links to aid your search:

Here are the reasons why Loyola University Chicago should be your choice to initiate an engineering career:

  1. At Loyola, students begin their studies at a school where individualized attention is paramount. All physics lecture courses at Loyola are taught by regular full-time faculty with the Ph.D. degree, as are all physics discussion sessions.
  2. At Loyola, the counseling of students in the Dual-Degree Program is closely coordinated with a student's progress in the major.
  3. Students in Loyola's Dual-Degree program complete their freshman year with a two semesters of calculus and calculus-based physics courses. In effect, students have the flexibility to consider other technical and scientific fields outside of engineering.
  4. Loyola University is situated in a metropolitan area which is home to two major governmental laboratories (Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi Accelerator Laboratory) as well as numerous engineering firms, high-technology conventions, first-rate libraries, and museums. Thus, Loyola's program offers opportunities for rich cultural experiences paired with the enjoyment of a beautiful urban campus.