Engineering Physics

program Type	Department	School
Undergraduate Major	Physics and Astronomy	School of Science

Siena University’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics combines a strong foundation in physics and mathematics with engineering design, computation, laboratory investigation, and hands-on problem solving.

Students learn not only how modern technologies and engineered systems work, but also the physical principles behind them. Through coursework, laboratory experiences, computer modeling, undergraduate research, and engineering design projects, students develop the skills to analyze, design, build, test, and improve complex systems.

Students choose one of two tracks: Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

Build deep foundations

Technology will change throughout your career. The scientific principles behind it will not.

At Siena, you will build a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering so you understand not only how systems work, but why they work. That deeper understanding will help you approach unfamiliar problems, adapt to new technologies, and solve challenges that do not have obvious answers.

You will learn to think from first principles, apply physics and mathematics to engineering problems, analyze complex systems and approach unfamiliar challenges with confidence.

Develop technical engineering expertise

You will build the design, experimentation, modeling and problem-solving skills employers expect from engineers.

Through laboratory work, engineering software, technical equipment and project-based learning, you will apply classroom concepts to real engineering challenges. You will learn how to design, test, improve, and troubleshoot systems while building the technical confidence to contribute from your first day on the job.

You can focus your studies through one of two pathways:

Mechanical Engineering Pathway: Explore motion, energy, forces, materials and the design of physical systems.
Electrical Engineering Pathway: Study circuits, electronics, instrumentation and the systems that power modern technology.

Become the engineer employers want and trust to lead

Technical expertise can help you get hired. Communication, collaboration, and ethical judgment can help you earn responsibility.

Through Siena’s liberal arts core, Franciscan tradition and team-based engineering experiences, you will learn to explain complex ideas, consider the human impact of your work and make decisions that account for safety, people and long-term outcomes.

You will graduate prepared to contribute as a technical professional and lead as someone others trust.

Undergraduate Research and Faculty Mentorship

At Siena, undergraduate students can work closely with faculty on research and technical projects.

Small classes allow professors to know their students individually and help them identify research, internship, graduate-school, and career opportunities that fit their interests.

Research and project experiences give students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to open-ended questions while developing technical, computational, experimental, and communication skills.

Prepare for a career that keeps changing

Your first engineering job will not be your last.

Engineering Physics prepares you to keep learning as technologies, industries and opportunities evolve. By combining physics with mechanical or electrical engineering study, you will build the versatility to work across disciplines and pursue a range of technical paths.

Graduates may pursue opportunities related to:

Mechanical and electrical design
Advanced manufacturing
Semiconductors and microelectronics
Aerospace and defense
Energy and power systems
Robotics and automation
Materials development and testing
Electronics and instrumentation
Product development
Engineering consulting
Research and development
Technical project management

The program also prepares students for graduate study in engineering, physics, and related fields.

Siena’s location in New York’s Capital Region and Tech Valley places you near companies and organizations working in engineering, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, energy, and research.

Build your future at Siena

Engineering Physics at Siena prepares you to understand complex technology, create practical solutions and become the kind of engineer others trust.

Engineering Physics Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes

The mission of Siena University’s Engineering Physics program is to prepare students to apply the principles of physics, mathematics, computing, and engineering to analyze complex problems and design practical solutions. View our Engineering Physics Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Engineering Physics?

Engineering Physics combines the fundamental principles of physics with engineering analysis, design, experimentation, and problem-solving. Students learn both how technologies work and how to apply scientific principles to design, build, test, and improve practical systems.

The program provides the analytical depth of physics, the practical preparation of engineering, and the flexibility to work across multiple technical fields.

2. Why study Engineering Physics at Siena?

Siena combines the technical rigor of physics and engineering with the close faculty relationships and broad education of a liberal arts college.

Students benefit from:

Small classes and accessible faculty
Individualized academic and career advising
Close faculty mentorship
Early opportunities for research and engineering projects
Hands-on laboratory and design experiences
Integration of theory, computation, experimentation, design, and fabrication
Collaboration across physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, business, and the humanities
An emphasis on communication, leadership, ethics, service, and professional responsibility

Students are known personally and are encouraged to consider both what they can create and whom their work will serve.

3. Are undergraduate research opportunities available?

Yes. Students may work closely with faculty on research and design projects in areas such as:

Applied physics
Materials science
Electronics
Computational modeling
Energy
Instrumentation
Advanced manufacturing
Mechanical systems
Sensors and data acquisition
Medical or assistive technologies

Students may also participate in faculty-mentored research through Siena’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, or CURCA. Research experiences may lead to conference presentations, publications, summer research opportunities, professional contacts, and preparation for graduate study.

4. What careers can graduates pursue?

Depending on their track, coursework, technical skills, research, internships, and project experience, graduates may pursue positions in areas such as:

Mechanical and electrical design
Systems engineering
Manufacturing and process engineering
Test and validation engineering
Quality and reliability engineering
Product engineering
Materials engineering
Energy and power systems
Semiconductor engineering
Semiconductors and microelectronics
Optical and photonics technology
Instrumentation engineering
Controls and automation
Robotics and mechatronics
Aerospace and defense technologies
Nuclear technology
Medical-device development
Product development and testing
Engineering consulting
Research and development
Applications engineering
Technical sales
Technical project management
Data acquisition and scientific computing
Laboratory and testing operations

Some employers require a degree in a specific engineering discipline. Engineering Physics graduates may be particularly well prepared for positions emphasizing analytical problem-solving, experimentation, modeling, instrumentation, product development, technical troubleshooting, systems integration, data analysis, and interdisciplinary work.

5. Why is a siena engineering physics degree a worthwhile investment?

The program is designed to provide students with:

Strong preparation in physics, mathematics, engineering, and computing
Individualized faculty mentoring and advising
Hands-on technical experience
Career preparation through research, internships, projects, and employer engagement
Transferable skills that apply across multiple engineering sectors
Preparation for employment or graduate education
Communication, teamwork, leadership, and ethical-reasoning skills
Access to the Capital Region’s engineering and technology economy
A supportive college community

Technologies will continue to change, but graduates who understand fundamental principles, learn new tools, communicate effectively, and solve unfamiliar problems can remain valuable throughout their careers.