There is more than one way to pursue engineering at Siena.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics at Siena, pursue an accelerated 4+1 pathway combining Applied Physics at Siena with a master's degree in engineering at Clarkson University, or participate in a 3+2 cooperative engineering program leading to degrees from Siena and a partner engineering institution.
Each pathway combines strong preparation in science and mathematics with the benefits of a Siena education: close faculty mentorship, hands-on learning, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem solving.
Explore Your Engineering Pathways
For students who want to study engineering at Siena, the B.S. in Engineering Physics is the most direct path.
Engineering Physics combines physics, mathematics, computing, and engineering with hands-on laboratory, design, and research experiences. Students develop both the scientific understanding behind modern technologies and the practical skills needed to analyze, design, build, test, and improve complex systems.
Students choose one of two engineering tracks:
- Mechanical Engineering focuses on areas such as mechanics, materials, thermal and fluid systems, computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering design.
- Electrical Engineering focuses on areas such as circuits, electronics, digital systems, instrumentation, electromagnetism, embedded controls, and computer-based systems.
Both tracks provide a strong foundation for technical careers and graduate study while giving students the flexibility that comes from understanding both engineering practice and the physics underlying it.
Students interested in combining undergraduate study in Applied Physics with graduate engineering study can take advantage of Siena's 4+1 partnership with Clarkson University.
Students complete a B.S. in Applied Physics at Siena while beginning graduate coursework during their senior year, then continue at Clarkson University to complete a master's degree in engineering, allowing both degrees to be completed in approximately five years.
Applied Physics combines a strong physics foundation with coursework in engineering and offers Mechanical and Electrical tracks. The 4+1 pathway can be especially attractive to students who want the interdisciplinary preparation of an Applied Physics degree followed by advanced professional study in engineering.
At present, Siena's 4+1 Clarkson articulation agreement is available through the Applied Physics major.
Siena also offers a 3+2 cooperative engineering pathway for students who want to combine a Siena science education with study at a partner engineering institution.
Students generally spend their first three years at Siena building a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and the liberal arts, and then complete approximately two additional years at a participating engineering school. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a bachelor's degree from Siena and an engineering bachelor's degree from the partner institution.
Depending on the cooperative agreement and intended engineering field, students may begin at Siena in programs including Physics or Engineering Physics, as well as other eligible science or mathematics majors.
Partner institutions and available engineering disciplines vary by agreement. Current cooperative relationships include institutions such as Binghamton University, Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and Western New England University.
The 3+2 option can be particularly valuable for students interested in an engineering specialization not offered directly through Siena's Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Physics tracks.
Which Engineering Path Is Right for You?
If you want to complete an engineering-focused bachelor's degree at Siena, Engineering Physics is the natural place to start.
If you want to combine a Siena Applied Physics bachelor's degree with an accelerated master's degree in engineering, consider the Clarkson 4+1 pathway.
If you want to combine a Siena science education with a second bachelor's degree from a partner engineering school—or pursue an engineering specialty beyond Siena's Mechanical and Electrical tracks—consider the 3+2 cooperative program.
Whichever path you choose, Siena provides a strong foundation in science and mathematics together with the communication, analytical, ethical, and collaborative skills that engineers need to solve problems with a broader understanding of their impact.
