Engineering Pathways at ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ
Students with a passion for problem-solving and innovation can build a strong foundation for a career in engineering.
At ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ, students begin by majoring in physics, which builds the analytical, mathematical and problem-solving skills essential for engineering. Our dedicated faculty provide guidance, support and mentorship to help students tackle challenging concepts and succeed in their studies.
¹û½´ÊÓÆµ alumni have advanced to prestigious graduate programs, completed our or moved directly into engineering careers—succeeding across a wide range of fields.
I was first able to participate in experimental research at ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ, which led me to graduate school and my desired/current research path.
Tara Peña ’17, PhD
¹û½´ÊÓÆµ Physics graduate, PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Rochester, and Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford
How You Can Prepare for Engineering at ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ
Students interested in engineering have multiple ways to shape their education at ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ depending on their goals.
Through the , you can:
- Earn a BA from ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ in three years by completing the requirements for a liberal arts degree along with pre-engineering courses.
- By the end of your junior year, if you meet program requirements, you’ll be considered for two years of study at Columbia University to earn a BS in Engineering.
Graduates of this program have gone on to careers in electrical, mechanical, civil, and biomedical engineering, with many holding leadership roles at top companies worldwide.
Not every student follows a structured program. Physics at ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ provides a flexible foundation for technical careers:
- Develop strong problem-solving, mathematical, and programming skills.
- Gain hands-on experience in project labs and faculty-led research.
- Connect with industry leaders through our active advisory board, featuring companies like , , , and .
With tailored advisement, students can design a course of study that prepares them for graduate programs or direct entry into engineering careers.
Advising and Pre-Professional Guidance
Every semester, students meet with a faculty adviser to plan courses and discuss career goals. Beyond formal advising, ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ fosters a strong mentoring culture with continuous faculty-student guidance. like the Physics Club offer additional professional development and peer support.
Coursework and Academic Preparation
¹û½´ÊÓÆµâ€™s Physics major ensures students are ready for engineering challenges:
- Project Labs (PHY-175, 275, 375): Hands-on research projects where students design and execute experiments.
- Foundational Physics and Math: Prepares students for the Columbia 3+2 program or other engineering and professional studies.
Research and Experiential Learning
All physics majors complete project-based lab courses and many pursue faculty-led research beyond class projects, gaining practical experience that prepares them for engineering or graduate studies.