Physics/Engineering Program

The Department of Physics and Astronomy participates in a cooperative program in Engineering.

Two options are available: an informal Two-Two Plan and a formal Three-Two Dual Degree Plan. Students interested in the Dual Degree Plan must consult with the chair of the department before registration.

Two-Two Plan:

In the Two-Two Plan, a student spends the first two years at Drake pursuing a program of basic studies, which parallels the standard preparation for engineering study. Successful completion of the basic studies program qualifies a student for admission as a third-year student at most of the engineering colleges in the United States.

Three-Two Dual Degree Program:

In the Three-Two Dual Degree Program, a student completes three years at Drake pursuing a program that combines preparation for engineering study with the basic requirements for a degree from Drake University. Although most students will major in physics, any major compatible with the student’s intended field of study in engineering is possible, e.g. a chemistry major for study in chemical engineering, a computer science major for study in computer engineering.

Successful completion of this program qualifies a student for admission to the Seaver Institute of Technology at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, for a two-year professional engineering program. The first year of professional study applies toward completion of the Drake degree. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is awarded both a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in an area of engineering from Washington University

Students are eligible for financial aid at both institutions.

The curriculum for parties interested in pursuing the Pre-Engingeering program through the Physics department for the first two years is typically:

First Year Credit hours:

MATH 050 and 070: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I and II, 8 credit hrs.
PHY 001: Introductory Physics I, 4 credit hrs.
PHY 005: Introductory Topics in Physics, 4 credit hrs.
CS 065: Introduction to Computer Science I, 3 credit hrs.
ELECTIVES: Social Science or Humanities, 15 credit hrs.

TOTAL: 34 credit hours

Second Year:

MATH 080: Linear Algebra, 3 credit hrs.
MATH 100: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III, 4 credit hrs.
PHY 002: Introductory Physics II, 4 credit hrs.
PHY 050: Modern Physics, 4 credit hrs.
PHY 059: Advanced Laboratory I, 2 credit hrs.
PHY 061: Error Theory, 1 credit hr.
PHY 191: Physics Seminar I, 1 credit hr.
CHEM 001 and 002: General Chemistry I and II with labs, 8 credit hrs.
ELECTIVES: Social Science or Humanities, 6 credit hrs.