As an engineering physics major, you’ll dive into research alongside professors who work at the frontier of translating emerging science into novel technologies. With a curriculum designed specifically to launch your research career and a tight-knit community of scholars, you’ll find a supportive environment to pursue a flexible math- and physics-centered curriculum. The engineering physics major is ideal for students who are already thinking about graduate school and want the flexibility to design their undergraduate experience to support that goal, but it also prepares students to join high-tech startup companies developing new technologies.

Students choose from three flexible focus areas: nanoengineering, plasma science and engineering, and scientific computing. All focus areas include graduate-level courses, laboratory experiences, and publishing an undergraduate thesis.

• Nanoengineering students take courses in physics, material science, engineering mechanics, and electrical engineering to learn how to design, build, and use innovative devices and structures at the nanoscale. 

• Plasma science and engineering students join one of the largest university plasma and fusion communities in the world, with collaborations between physics, electrical engineering, and nuclear engineering, and world-leading facilities.

• Scientific computing can be applied to nearly every discipline in science, combining modern computing practices with scientific discovery in research groups across campus.

As some of our best and brightest engineering students, EP majors move quickly through fundamental math and physics courses, opening the door for more advanced courses that support their research interests. With more flexibility than most engineering majors, each student works with their faculty advisor to find a selection of courses that are tuned to their specific research needs.

The senior thesis is a defining aspect of this program, where students summarize their research findings and present them to a committee of professors, and possibly publish a paper in a scientific journal. In addition, every student joins a research group where graduate students, post-docs, scientists, and faculty members support the specific skills and expertise needed for their research.

At the heart of the engineering physics program is a small learning community where students develop skills for conducting original research, with support from faculty and peers. The curriculum is designed to bring sophomores, juniors, and seniors together in a community where younger students learn from the general research experiences of their more senior counterparts.

Nearly all of our graduates go on to graduate degrees at the best universities in the U.S. and around the world, ultimately landing in a variety of careers in academia, industry, or national laboratories.

How to Get in

Admission to the College as a First-Year Student

Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission means that students get to start their college career in the engineering program of their choice and have access to engineering-specific resources and facilities. Students who are directly admitted need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.

Current UW-Madison Students (Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering)

Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering

With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is selective. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their engineering major. 

The College of Engineering has dual degree transfer agreements with select four-year UW System campuses and a transfer agreement with Madison College. Eligible students in COE's transfer agreements automatically meet progression at the point of transfer.

Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer & Academic Program Manager in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu.

Second Bachelor's Degree

The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

University General Education Requirements

Requirements	Detail
Civics & Perspectives	3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy	6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts	6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning	6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness	Complete both: 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework. one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science	3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits	30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

University General Education Requirements

Requirements	Detail
Total Degree	120 degree credits.
Residency	Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and: is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work	Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math	Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: placing above MATH 96, successfully completing MATH 96 at UW-Madison, or transferring the equivalent of MATH 96 or a more advanced mathematics course from another institution (content such as MATH 112, 114, 211, 221, 222, 234).
English Language	If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by: earning credit for ESL 118 at UW-Madison, or achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language	Complete one: 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration	Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements 

The College of Engineering departments collaborated and adopted a common set of guidelines in their degree granting program (major) requirements. Engineering departments incorporate specific coursework within their curricula to meet these guidelines. Students should refer to specific coursework detailed below the Summary of Requirements.

College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements 

University General Education Requirements

Requirements	Detail
Communication	All College of Engineering majors require two levels of communication coursework: Engineering Communication 1: one course with the Communication A designation or satisfaction of Communication A based on eligible UW Placement Score. Engineering Communication 2: each major specifies one course (e.g. INTEREGR 397) which also carries the Communication B designation.
Quantitative Reasoning	All College of Engineering majors require a math sequence that incorporates two levels of quantitative reasoning.
Humanities or Literature	All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature breadth designations. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below.
Social Sciences	All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 3 credits with the Social Sciences breadth designation. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below.
Natural Sciences	All College of Engineering majors require specific coursework that incorporates a minimum of 6 credits with the Biological, Natural, or Physical Science breadth designations.
Ethnic Studies	All College of Engineering majors require at least one course of at least 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation. This course may also be used to satisfy the Social Sciences or Humanities or Literature requirement.

Engineering Physics, BS Curriculum

This curriculum applies to students admitted to the degree program this Guide academic year. Curricular requirements for students admitted in previous semesters are available in the Archive section of Guide.

Summary of Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Mathematics and Statistics		25
Science		28
Engineering Science		25
Research & Development / Focus Area Electives		22
Technical Electives		6
Communication Skills		8
Liberal Studies Electives		16
Total Credits		130

Mathematics and Statistics 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MATH 221	Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1	5
MATH 222	Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2	4
MATH 234	Calculus--Functions of Several Variables	4
MATH 319	Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations	3
MATH 321	Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus	3
MATH 340	Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra	3
or MATH 341	Linear Algebra
STAT 324	Introduction to Statistics for Science and Engineering	3
or STAT 311	Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I
or STAT/​MATH  431	Introduction to the Theory of Probability
Total Credits		25

Science 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Select one of the following:		5-9
CHEM 109	Advanced General Chemistry
CHEM 103 & CHEM 104	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II
PHYSICS 202	General Physics	5
or PHYSICS 208	General Physics
or PHYSICS 248	A Modern Introduction to Physics
PHYSICS 241	Introduction to Modern Physics	3
or PHYSICS 205	Modern Physics for Engineers
PHYSICS 322	Electromagnetic Fields	3
E P 271	Engineering Problem Solving I	3
or COMP SCI 220	Data Science Programming I
M S & E 351	Materials Science-Structure and Property Relations in Solids	3
or CBE 440	Chemical Engineering Materials
or M S & E 350	Introduction to Materials Science
N E 305	Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering	3
or PHYSICS 531	Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Select one of the following courses:		3
E P/​E M A  471	Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers (recommended)
or E P 476	Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics
or COMP SCI 300	Programming II
or COMP SCI 412	Introduction to Numerical Methods
Total Credits		28

Engineering Science

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
E M A 201	Statics	3
or PHYSICS 201	General Physics
or PHYSICS 207	General Physics
or PHYSICS 247	A Modern Introduction to Physics
E M A 202	Dynamics	3
or PHYSICS 311	Mechanics
E M A 303	Mechanics of Materials	3
E M A/​M E  307	Mechanics of Materials Lab	1
M E 361	Thermodynamics	3
or M S & E 330	Thermodynamics of Materials
E C E 376	Electrical and Electronic Circuits	3
or PHYSICS 321	Electric Circuits and Electronics
M E 363	Fluid Dynamics	3
M E 364	Elementary Heat Transfer	3
or M S & E 331	Transport Phenomena in Materials
N E 231	Introduction to Nuclear Engineering 1	3
Total Credits		25

¹

This requirement can also be satisfied with a different introductory engineering course

Research and Development/Senior Thesis

Expectations for Research Projects

Completion of the engineering physics degree program requires satisfactory completion of the E P 468 Introduction to Engineering Research, E P 469 Research Proposal in Engineering Physics, E P 568 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics I, and E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II coursework sequence, which culminates in a senior research thesis. The research topic chosen by the student and agreed upon by the advisor should be on a topic connected to the chosen Focus Area. The research conducted should be such that the student participates in the creation of new knowledge, experiences the excitement of the research process, and makes a contribution so that it would be appropriate to include the student's name on a scholarly publication if one results from the research.

Senior Thesis

A senior thesis, completed during enrollment in E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II is required. The senior thesis is a written document reporting on a substantial piece of work. It should be written in the style of a graduate thesis. The faculty advisor, in consultation with a research mentor, determines the grade which the student receives for the thesis. 

On or before the Friday of finals week of the semester in which E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II is taken, the senior thesis must be presented orally by the student to a committee of three professors in a publicly announced seminar. Interested faculty and students will be invited to attend.

Research and Development

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
E P 468	Introduction to Engineering Research	1
E P 469	Research Proposal in Engineering Physics	1
E P 568	Research Practicum in Engineering Physics I	3
E P 569	Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II	3
Total Credits		8

 Focus Area Electives

Nanoengineering

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required course:
PHYSICS 551	Solid State Physics	3
At least one of the following courses:		3
E P/​E M A  615	Micro- and Nanoscale Mechanics
M S & E 553	Nanomaterials & Nanotechnology
At least one of the following courses:		3
E M A 406	Aerospace Structures
E M A 519	Fracture Mechanics
At least one of the following courses:		1-3
M S & E 448	Crystallography and X-Ray Diffraction
E M A 611	Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials
M E 601	Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Micro & Nano Fabrication)
N E 602	Special Topics in Reactor Engineering (Vacuum Technology Lab)
PHYSICS 623	Electronic Aids to Measurement
PHYSICS 625	Applied Optics
M S & E 748	Structural Analysis of Materials
Choose from the following open electives courses:		3
M S & E 333	Microprocessing of Materials
E C E 335	Microelectronic Devices
M S & E 434	Introduction to Thin-Film Deposition Processes
M S & E 441	Deformation of Solids
E C E 445	Semiconductor Physics and Devices
M S & E 451	Introduction to Ceramic Materials
E M A/​M S & E  541	Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials
M S & E 570	Properties of Solid Surfaces
CHEM 630	Selected Topics in Analytical Chemistry
M S & E 756	Structure and Properties of Advanced Electronic Materials
Total Credits		14

Plasma Science and Engineering

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required courses:
N E/​E C E/​PHYSICS  525	Introduction to Plasmas	3
N E 526	Laboratory Course in Plasmas	3
At least one of the following courses:		3
N E/​E C E/​PHYSICS  527	Plasma Confinement and Heating
N E/​E C E  528	Plasma Processing and Technology
Open Electives		5
N E 408	Ionizing Radiation
N E 536	Feasibility of Fusion Power Plants based on Controlled Nuclear Fusion
PHYSICS 415	Thermal Physics
PHYSICS 623	Electronic Aids to Measurement
PHYSICS 625	Applied Optics
N E/​E C E/​PHYSICS  724	Waves and Instabilities in Plasmas
N E/​E C E/​PHYSICS  725	Plasma Kinetic Theory and Radiation Processes
N E/​E C E/​PHYSICS  726	Plasma Magnetohydrodynamics
Any plasma-related special topics course in NE (e.g. N E 602/903)
Total Credits		14

 Scientific Computing

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
At least one of the following courses:		3
N E/​MED PHYS  506	Monte Carlo Radiation Transport
M E 573	Computational Fluid Dynamics
E M A 605	Introduction to Finite Elements
E C E 742	Computational Methods in Electromagnetics
Students must take at least two credits of laboratory experience in the Physical or Biological Sciences beyond the required chemistry and mechanics of materials courses		2
Choose from the following open electives courses:		9
E P 476	Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics
COMP SCI 300	Programming II
COMP SCI/​MATH  513	Numerical Linear Algebra
COMP SCI/​MATH  514	Numerical Analysis
COMP SCI/​I SY E/​MATH/​STAT  525	Linear Optimization
COMP SCI/​E C E/​M E  532	Matrix Methods in Machine Learning
COMP SCI/​E C E/​M E  539	Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks
COMP SCI 540	Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
COMP SCI/​E C E  561	Probability and Information Theory in Machine Learning
COMP SCI 577	Introduction to Algorithms
COMP SCI/​MATH  714	Methods of Computational Mathematics I
COMP SCI/​MATH  715	Methods of Computational Mathematics II
M E 459	Computing Concepts for Applications in Engineering
M E/​COMP SCI/​E C E/​E M A/​E P  759	High Performance Computing for Applications in Engineering
Any scientific-computing-related special topics course in NE
Total Credits		14

Technical Elective

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Choose from the following courses:		6
Co-op (no more than 3 credits)
Courses numbered 300+ in the CoE except for E P D/INTEREGR
Courses numbered 300+ in MATH, PHYSICS, COMP SCI, STAT (except STAT 301), ASTRON, MED PHYS, and CHEM departments
Students may also propose any class that they feel will benefit their education path with pre-requisite of two physics or calculus classes. For these courses the advisor will review the request and if approved, recommend a DARS substitution.
Total Credits		6

Communication Skills

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Engr Comm 1
INTEREGR 156	Introduction to Writing, Speaking, and Ethics for Engineers	3
or ENGL 100	Introduction to College Composition
or COM ARTS 100	Introduction to Speech Composition
or LSC 100	Science and Storytelling
or ESL 118	Academic Writing II
Technical Presentations
INTEREGR 275	Technical Presentations (was EPD 275)	2
Engr Comm 2
INTEREGR 397	Engineering Communication	3
Total Credits		8

 Liberal Studies Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Complete liberal studies electives according to CoE Requirements		16
Total Credits		16

For information on credit load, adding or dropping courses, course substitutions, pass/fail, auditing courses, dean's honor list, repeating courses, probation, and graduation, see the College of Engineering Official Regulations.

Honors in Research Program

All EP students will be considered for the “Honors in Research” designation upon graduation if the following requirements are met:

1. Satisfaction of requirements for an undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics.

2. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.3.

3. Completion of E P 468 Introduction to Engineering Research, E P 469 Research Proposal in Engineering Physics, E P 568 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics I, E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II for a total of 8 credits.

4. Completion of a senior thesis (E P 569 Research Practicum in Engineering Physics II) with a grade of B or better.

Learning Outcomes

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering research practices to produce results that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to apply experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to address scientific and engineering objectives
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CHEM 1091	5	E M A 201 or PHYSICS 201	3-5
MATH 221	5	MATH 222	4
Engr Comm 1	3	N E 231	3
Liberal Studies Elective	3	STAT 324	3
	16		13
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PHYSICS 202	5	MATH 319	3
MATH 234	4	PHYSICS 241 or 205	3
M E 361	3	E M A 202 or PHYSICS 311	3
M S & E 350 or 351	3	E M A 303	3
E P 4682	1	E M A/​M E  307	1
INTEREGR 275	2	Liberal Studies Elective	3
	18		16
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
N E 3054	3	PHYSICS 5314	3
or Technical Elective		or Technical Elective
MATH 340 or 341	3	MATH 3213	3
E P 271	3	PHYSICS 3223	3
E C E 376 or PHYSICS 321	3-4	Advanced Computer Science5	3
E P 469	1	E P Focus Area Course	3
Liberal Studies Elective	4
	17-18		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
E P 568	3	E P 569	3
M E 363	3	M E 364 or M S & E 331	3
E P Focus Area Course	3	E P Focus Area Course	2
E P Focus Area Course	3	E P Focus Area Course	3
Technical Elective	3	INTEREGR 397	3
Liberal Studies Elective	3	Liberal Studies Elective	3
	18		17
Total Credits 130-131

¹

 It is recommended that students take CHEM 109 Advanced General Chemistry for 5 credits. However, depending on their high school chemistry experience, students may substitute this with CHEM 103 General Chemistry I and CHEM 104 General Chemistry II for a total of 9 credits.

²

Students are encouraged to take E P 468 Introduction to Engineering Research during their second year to allow for more flexibility in the research sequence.

³

Topics from MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus are applied in PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields, and some students may find it helpful to take PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields after MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus if PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields is not required for focus area courses.

⁴

Students in the nanoengineering focus area should take PHYSICS 531 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.

⁵

E P/​E M A  471 Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers is recommended here. Other options are E P 476 Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics, COMP SCI 300 Programming II, or COMP SCI 412 Introduction to Numerical Methods.

Advising and Careers

Advising

Engineering Career Services