Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics/Engineering Dual Degree*

¹

MATH 1420 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics), one semester credit hour of Component Area IX (Component Area Option), and the Degree Specific requirement. 

²

CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science).

³

A minor is not required for this degree program; however, a student has the option to add a minor, but to do so additional semester credits hours will be needed above the degree program’s stated total semester credit hours. 

⁴

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Physics.

 Note: Fourth Year at university with recognized accredited degree program.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

While SHSU does not offer degrees in Engineering, the Department of Physics and Astronomy does provide several options for Pre-Engineering. Physics and Engineering go together very well; because, so much of Engineering Design is built upon the underlying foundation of Physics.

Pre-Engineering includes more Math (especially Calculus) than Engineering Technology does, and it leads to very different careers. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) says that Engineering programs often focus on theory and conceptual design, while Technology programs usually focus on application and implementation. Engineers often do work involving original research and development, and many continue on to Masters or Doctoral programs in Engineering. Technologists are most likely to work in construction, manufacturing, product design, testing, or technical services and sales.

*In the Dual Degree, or "3+2" program, students earn degrees in both Physics and Engineering. This starts with three years at SHSU, completing the Core Curriculum, the Calculus and Physics introductory sequence, and a portion of the upper division Physics Curriculum. Students then apply to any accredited Engineering program at an institution of their choice for the last two years of degree work. One option is UT Tyler, where a transfer agreement guarantees admission for students with a 2.5 GPA. After completion of the Engineering Degree, credits are retroactively transferred back to SHSU so that the Physics Degree can be awarded simultaneously.

The "2+2" Pre-Engineering Tracks in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering are four-year degrees where students transfer to an accredited Engineering Program (such as UT Tyler) after completing two years at SHSU.

The Department of Chemistry offers a similar "3+2" program combining Bachelor's of Science degrees in Chemistry (from SHSU) and Chemical Engineering (from an accredited program).

All students interested in Physics or Pre-Engineering enroll in the Physics Bootcamp (PHYS 1401) during their first semester on campus. This lets interested students see what physics is all about as early as possible, with no prerequisites. It ensures that they have math skills required in the next two years and helps them understand what those skills are good for in Physics and Engineering. It develops confidence, teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging in the department. A weekly group-based problem-solving practice session is integrated. The Bootcamp is typically offered each Fall and Spring term.

For more information on the Pre-Engineering programs at SHSU contact:

Department Chair
Physics and Astronomy
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas 77341-2267
(936) 294-1601

Students entering a Pre-Engineering program must consult with an academic advisor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy to ensure that their degree plan meets all admission requirements of programs into which they seek to transfer.

¹

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science). 

²

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications). 

³

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VI (U.S. History). 

⁴

MATH 1420 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics), one semester credit hour of Component Area IX (Component Area Option), and the Degree Specific requirement. 

⁵

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government). 

Note: Fourth Year at university with recognized accredited degree program.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

A minor is not required for this degree program; however, a student has the option to add a minor, but to do so additional semester credits hours will be needed above the degree program’s stated total semester credit hours. 

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Physics.

While SHSU does not offer degrees in Engineering, the Department of Physics and Astronomy does provide several options for Pre-Engineering. Physics and Engineering go together very well; because, so much of Engineering Design is built upon the underlying foundation of Physics.

Pre-Engineering includes more Math (especially Calculus) than Engineering Technology does, and it leads to very different careers. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) says that Engineering programs often focus on theory and conceptual design, while Technology programs usually focus on application and implementation. Engineers often do work involving original research and development, and many continue on to Masters or Doctoral programs in Engineering. Technologists are most likely to work in construction, manufacturing, product design, testing, or technical services and sales.

In the Dual Degree, or "3+2" program, students earn degrees in both Physics and Engineering. This starts with three years at SHSU, completing the Core Curriculum, the Calculus and Physics introductory sequence, and a portion of the upper division Physics Curriculum. Students then apply to any accredited Engineering program at an institution of their choice for the last two years of degree work. One option is UT Tyler, where a transfer agreement guarantees admission for students with a 2.5 GPA. After completion of the Engineering Degree, credits are retroactively transferred back to SHSU so that the Physics Degree can be awarded simultaneously.

The "2+2" Pre-Engineering Tracks in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering are four-year degrees where students transfer to an accredited Engineering Program (such as UT Tyler) after completing two years at SHSU.

The Department of Chemistry offers a similar "3+2" program combining Bachelor's of Science degrees in Chemistry (from SHSU) and Chemical Engineering (from an accredited program).

All students interested in Physics or Pre-Engineering enroll in the Physics Bootcamp (PHYS 1401) during their first semester on campus. This lets interested students see what physics is all about as early as possible, with no prerequisites. It ensures that they have math skills required in the next two years and helps them understand what those skills are good for in Physics and Engineering. It develops confidence, teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging in the department. A weekly group-based problem-solving practice session is integrated. The Bootcamp is typically offered each Fall and Spring term.

For more information on the Pre-Engineering programs at SHSU contact:

Department Chair
Physics and Astronomy
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas 77341-2267
(936) 294-1601

Students entering a Pre-Engineering program must consult with an academic advisor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy to ensure that their degree plan meets all admission requirements of programs into which they seek to transfer.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BS in Physics/Engineering Dual Degree is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Ability to creatively solve real-world problems.
• Sophisticated understanding of applied mathematics.
• Capacity to analyze and interpret complex data.
• Quantitative understanding of mechanical, electrical, and thermal systems.
• Model complex interactions with computer programming and technology.