Physics and 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.