If you want to understand the forces of nature — and how to use that knowledge to solve problems —consider majoring in the related fields of engineering or physics.
Our faculty advisors can help you decide which career path is best for you. We offer a B.S. in engineering and a B.A. in engineering physics, plus a B.A. in physics or teaching physics.
The faculty are experts in many disciplines, including mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, pulsed laser systems, astronomy, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics and teaching physics.
They take the time to get to know our students and help them identify their own passions. This leads to successful employment or acceptance to graduate school. Augustana students use human-centered design, solve important problems in their discipline, or inspire students in high school physics classes.
The college offers an innovative B.S. in Engineering program at a liberal arts institution, with focuses in mechanical, civil, and environmental and sustainability engineering.
This program is multidisciplinary so students will be exposed to physics, mathematics and engineering, while incorporating ethics, humanities and social sciences.
Note: Augustana's engineering students use a software program called Autodesk Inventor. See the system requirements for Autodesk Inventor 2025.
The Engineering Physics major combines coursework in fundamental physics with specialized courses in applied physics and engineering.
This 4-year degree is more flexible than the Engineering B.S., allowing students to major in an additional subject(s) at Augustana.
Students who major in Engineering Physics can choose the dual degree 3-2 program option in which they earn a B.A. in engineering physics from Augustana and a B.S. in Engineering from a partner university.
The program requires three years at Augustana followed by at least two years at the engineering school. Augustana has formal partnerships with Columbia University, Northern Illinois University and Washington University in St. Louis. However, students may attend any 3-2 program to which they gain admittance. Recent graduates have also attended University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, and Purdue University. Students participating are required to work closely with their Augustana advisor through the entire process and complete the coordinated degree program agreement prior to departing Augustana.
→ How do you know which engineering degree is right for you? Read about the differences
Physics at Augustana can take you in many directions, depending on your curiosities: thermodynamics, mechanics, astrophysics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics.
You can major or minor in physics or major in teaching physics in the secondary schools. Many physics grads pursue technology careers, while others enter graduate programs in physics, engineering, medicine or education. .
→ Learn more about studying physics at Augustana
The Augustana Physics and Engineering Society (APES) is an active student group; it often wins the annual cardboard boat regatta. → MORE
The John Deere Planetarium and Carl Gamble Observatory features a Celestron C14 computer-driven 14-inch reflector telescope. Stargazing, educational programs and planet viewing are offered to the community as well as campus. → MORE
Nicholas Muskopf-Stone is at the University of Illinois (3-2 engineering program).
Liam Russell '21 is a graduate student at the University of Denver.
Georgia Votta '21 is a graduate research assistant at Michigan State University.
Katie Syer '21 is a science teacher at Hoffman Estates (Ill.) High School.
Jacob Connors ’20 is a manufacturing engineer with Northrup Grumman.
Emmalee Pentek ’20 is an associate restoration field coordinator at Patrick Engineering in Chicago.
Su Yadana ’20 is a data analyst at Boraam Industries, Inc.
Patrick Crompton ’19 is a graduate research assistant at the Rapid Prototyping Cente at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Gabrielle Gambino Lyon ’18 is a sustainability consultant at Jordan & Skala Engineers in Houston.
Ali Rabeh ’17 is a Ph.D. candidate in mechanical engineering and a graduate research assistant at Iowa State University.
Luke Toppel ’16 is a sustaining mechanical engineer at Visual Comfort Group in Skokie, Ill.
The new NSF grant builds on the success of the MoNA Collaboration to involve undergraduate students in research over the years, resulting in numerous publications and presentations by students.
Augustana physics faculty are finding ways to involve students in quantum research and discovery, while moving ahead with their own research.
Augustana students can study planetary systems, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies like never before with new access to an advanced research-quality optical telescope in the Arizona desert.
“While I expected to graduate with a degree in engineering physics, I did not expect to graduate with two minors and many months of professional experience.”Read More
“I definitely found my footing and direction at Augustana, and I feel confident moving forward from here — which is exactly where I hoped I would be when I arrived.”Read More
“Dr. Dyer's dedication to his students as well as his passion for creating room for women in engineering are the main reasons I kept with it all four years.”Read More
Disciplinary knowledge
Gain a deep understanding of your subject and how it connects to other subjects.
Quantitative literacy
Interpret, represent and summarize information. Use math and statistics to solve problems.
Critical thinking and information literacy
Judge and construct arguments, raise questions and define problems. Make a conclusion based on evidence.
Creative thinking
Combine ideas to create something new. Use imaginative ways of solving problems.
Collaborative leadership
Make decisions and act for the good of the community as a group.
