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.
What degree will students earn?
Students who complete the program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics.
What tracks are available?
Students may choose one of two tracks:
-
Mechanical Engineering
-
Electrical Engineering
Both tracks include a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, engineering, computing, laboratory work, and engineering design.
What is the difference between the two tracks?
The Mechanical Engineering track focuses on mechanical and thermal systems. Students study topics such as mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, computer-aided design, and engineering analysis.
The Electrical Engineering track focuses on electrical, electronic, and computer-based systems. Students study topics such as circuits, electronics, digital systems, programming, instrumentation, electromagnetism, signal analysis, and control systems.
When must students choose a track?
Students should select a track in consultation with their academic advisor early enough to complete the required sequence of courses. Recommended course plans will help students determine when a track should be formally selected.
Can students change tracks?
Students may be able to change tracks after consulting with their academic advisor. Because the tracks have different course sequences, changing tracks could affect the time needed to complete the degree.
Who should consider the Engineering Physics major?
Engineering Physics may be a strong choice for students who:
-
Enjoy physics, mathematics, technology, and hands-on problem-solving
-
Want to understand how technology works at a fundamental level
-
Like designing, building, testing, and improving products or systems
-
Are interested in engineering but do not want to specialize too narrowly at the beginning of college
-
Want preparation for careers that cross traditional engineering disciplines
-
Are considering careers in engineering, technology, research, or graduate study
-
Value small classes and close faculty mentorship
-
Want to consider the ethical, environmental, and human effects of technology
How is Engineering Physics different from a traditional engineering program?
Engineering Physics combines engineering preparation with a deeper foundation in physics. Students study not only how systems are designed, but also the scientific principles that explain their behavior.
This interdisciplinary foundation can be particularly valuable in emerging technologies, research and development, semiconductors, energy, advanced manufacturing, instrumentation, materials, and other fields involving complex technical systems.
Why choose Engineering Physics instead of specializing immediately?
Engineering Physics allows students to build a broad technical foundation while exploring several areas of engineering and applied science.
Students may gain experience with mechanical systems, electrical systems, materials, electronics, energy, instrumentation, computing, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. This flexibility can be valuable for students whose career interests develop through coursework, research, internships, and design projects.
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 university.
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.
Is the program hands-on?
Yes. Students learn to design, build, test, analyze, troubleshoot, and improve engineering systems through practical experiences such as:
-
Engineering laboratories
-
Mechanical and electrical design projects
-
Computer modeling and simulation
-
Technical experiments
-
Prototype fabrication and 3D printing
-
Computer-aided design and technical drawing
-
Materials testing and characterization
-
Electronics and circuit development
-
Sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition
-
Team-based projects
-
Undergraduate research
-
Senior engineering design projects
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.
How can research prepare students for specialized careers?
Research and project experiences allow students to develop expertise beyond their required coursework. For example:
-
Materials research can support careers in materials, manufacturing, and semiconductor technology.
-
Energy research can support careers in power systems, renewable energy, and sustainability.
-
Electronics projects can prepare students for instrumentation, controls, and automation.
-
CAD, mechanics, and prototyping can support careers in product development and manufacturing.
-
Programming and computational modeling can prepare students for simulation, systems engineering, automation, and technical data analysis.
-
Medical or assistive-device projects can support careers in biomedical technology and medical-device development.
Research also demonstrates initiative, technical independence, data-analysis ability, and communication skills valued by employers and graduate programs.
Are internships available?
Students are encouraged to pursue internships and other professional experiences. Siena’s location in New York’s Capital Region provides access to organizations involved in engineering, semiconductors, energy, advanced manufacturing, research, defense, government, and technology.
Faculty, Siena’s Career and Internship Center, alumni, and industry connections can help students identify and prepare for professional opportunities. Internships are competitive and are not guaranteed.
What networking opportunities are available?
Students may develop professional connections through:
-
Internships with Capital Region employers
-
Faculty and alumni introductions
-
Employer visits and industry guest speakers
-
Career fairs and professional-development events
-
CURCA research projects and conferences
-
Technical presentations and engineering design showcases
-
Siena’s Career and Internship Center
-
Academic and transfer partnerships
-
Siena alumni working in engineering, science, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and business
As the Engineering Physics program grows, its alumni network can become an increasingly important source of mentorship, internships, graduate-school connections, and employment opportunities.
What regional organizations may provide professional opportunities?
Siena’s Capital Region location places students near organizations involved in engineering, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy, research, defense, electronics, and technology. Examples include:
-
GlobalFoundries
-
GE
-
Naval Nuclear Laboratory and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory
-
Plug Power
-
Applied Materials
-
New York Independent System Operator
-
Atlas Copco
-
SI Group
-
Owens Corning
-
Centrotherm
-
CHA
-
General Dynamics
-
Procter & Gamble
-
XOS
-
The Research Foundation for SUNY
These organizations are examples of regional employers, industry partners, and potential professional connections. Inclusion on this list does not guarantee an internship or employment opportunity.
Which local organizations have hired Siena graduates?
The Engineering Physics program is newly established and has not yet produced graduates. However, Siena alumni from applied physics and physics programs have pursued careers with employers in engineering, science, research, manufacturing, energy, and technology.
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.
What kinds of problems can Engineering Physics graduates solve?
Graduates can contribute to problems involving:
-
Mechanical devices and systems
-
Electronics and instrumentation
-
Energy generation, storage, and efficiency
-
Materials selection and performance
-
Manufacturing and process improvement
-
Sensors, measurement, and data acquisition
-
Product testing and validation
-
Automation and control
-
Thermal systems
-
Semiconductor processes and equipment
-
Medical and assistive technologies
-
Sustainable design
-
Reliability and failure analysis
-
Modeling and simulation
-
Research and experimental development
Engineering Physics graduates may be especially valuable when a problem crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.
What skills will students develop?
Students will develop skills in:
-
Engineering problem-solving
-
Mathematical and computational analysis
-
Laboratory experimentation
-
Engineering design
-
Data analysis and interpretation
-
Experimental uncertainty analysis
-
Computer modeling and simulation
-
Technical communication
-
Teamwork and project management
-
Ethical and professional decision-making
-
Technical troubleshooting
-
Independent and lifelong learning
What will students be able to do by graduation?
By graduation, students should be able to:
-
Translate an open-ended need into a defined engineering problem
-
Apply physics and mathematics to predict system behavior
-
Design components, experiments, circuits, and systems
-
Build and evaluate prototypes
-
Select appropriate materials and manufacturing methods
-
Use laboratory equipment and computational tools
-
Analyze data and quantify experimental uncertainty
-
Troubleshoot systems that do not initially work
-
Compare design alternatives using technical, economic, ethical, environmental, and human considerations
-
Work effectively on multidisciplinary teams
-
Communicate technical results to technical and nontechnical audiences
-
Use engineering standards, specifications, and professional literature
-
Manage a project from initial concept through testing and presentation
Students should graduate with more than a degree. Through projects, research, internships, and laboratory work, they can develop a résumé, technical portfolio, faculty references, professional contacts, and examples of problems they have solved.
Can graduates attend graduate school?
Yes. The program provides preparation for graduate study in fields such as:
-
Mechanical engineering
-
Electrical engineering
-
Applied physics
-
Materials science
-
Robotics
-
Energy systems
-
Engineering management
-
Semiconductor technology
-
Other related engineering, scientific, and technical disciplines
Can students transfer into the program?
Yes. Transfer students and current Siena students interested in changing majors should meet with an academic advisor to determine how previously completed courses may apply to the Engineering Physics degree.
Transfer-credit evaluations are completed individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, sequencing, and Siena’s academic policies.
How does the program connect engineering with service and ethics?
The program teaches students that engineering decisions affect individuals, communities, and the environment. Students are encouraged to consider safety, accessibility, cost, sustainability, ethics, and social impact when evaluating technical solutions.
Human-centered projects, community partnerships, service opportunities, and Siena’s Franciscan and liberal arts traditions help students understand that technical ability carries professional and moral responsibility.
Students should learn to ask not only, “Can we build it?” but also, “Whom does it serve, and how can we build it responsibly?”
Why is the 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.
Is the program approved by New York State?
Yes. Siena’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics is registered with and approved by the New York State Education Department.
Is the Engineering Physics program ABET-accredited?
The Engineering Physics program is not currently accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Because this is a new program, Siena intends to pursue ABET accreditation after the program becomes eligible for an initial accreditation review.
Where can students find the curriculum?
The complete curriculum, track requirements, course descriptions, prerequisites, and recommended four-year plans is available through Siena’s academic catalog and the Engineering Physics program website.
Who can students contact for more information?
Prospective and current students may contact:
Engineering Physics Program Director
Dr. Kamyar Pashayi
kpashayi@siane.edu
Additional admissions information is available through Siena’s Office of Admissions.