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How many Physics courses do you need to major in engineering?

Engineering is a major I'm interested in, however, I don't enjoy physics. I want to know if I should avoid majoring in engineering because of this dislike, or if I just have to get through a few physics courses in order to still be an engineer. #engineering

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Oscar Albeiro’s Answer

Hi Allison,
Based on my experience, any engineering student takes 2 core physics courses in average. First one relates to classical mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, etc.), while the second relates to electromagnetism. However, this varies among universities and engineering types. Other physics-related courses engineering students take are statics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics, among others. I you don't feel very comfortable with physics, do not think you're not fit for engineering. I did not like chemistry, and I made through the whole engineering fundamental courses (which include all the calculus, physics, and chemistry courses) and I fully enjoy being an engineer in my field! I suggest to you to look for background info on the different types of engineering programs to get a sense of which one(s) is of your greatest interest and then check the program of study in different universities. Knowing more about the programs will provide you with more information to support your decision. Good luck!
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Lori’s Answer

Hi Allison! You do need to take a least a couple of physics classes to get most engineering degrees, though the level of Physics requirements will be very dependent on which specific degree you major in. For my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State, we were only required to have two purely “Physics” classes (https://che.okstate.edu/content/degree_plans) .


Several of your other engineering type classes will be based on physical concepts, as mentioned above. I would recommend that you ask yourself what parts of Physics do not appeal to you to determine whether it’s something specific to the science or if it is the theory. For myself, Chemistry and Physics were my worst two classes in university because I just couldn’t stand the drudgery of memorizing reaction mechanisms and theorems. I love the all of the hands on and problem solving of engineering though!

Lori recommends the following next steps:

Determine what part of Physics is not appealing to you (versus what part of engineering appeals to you)
Research various engineering programs - not all programs will have the same level and type of Physics required.
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Andrew’s Answer

2 path includes series 2 and series 4. The series 4 provide deeper understanding in physics and use more calculus. 4A teach general physics, 4B teaches magnetism, 4C teaches optical, and 4D teaches quantum. To be an engineer, in California, one must take at least 4A,B, and C.
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Peter’s Answer

Allison:


Many of the engineering concepts you would see as an Engineering Major derive directly from Physics principles. This is particularly true for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. The prerequisite physics classes needed for Engineering make the latter a lot more understandable. If you have your heart set on an engineering degree, you will be well-served in taking (and seriously studying) a couple of Physics courses.


Good luck, Pete Sturtevant, PE
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