Physics and Engineering

Physics

Department Chair - Ryan K. Haaland
Email: haaland_r@fortlewis.edu

Professor - Gerald Crawford and Ryan Haaland

Visiting Assistant Professor - Charles Hakes

The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is designed to allow students to commence graduate work in physics or astrophysics; to obtain technical positions in industry in areas including energy science, engineering, electronics, optics, medical physics, and many more; or to obtain preparation for secondary certification for teaching physics in public schools. The geologist, engineer, chemist, and biologist all deal with matter and energy in their various forms. Since physicists probe the physical laws underlying all physical processes, the study of physics is the cornerstone for all the natural sciences.

The physics curriculum is predicated upon the role physicists play in a modern, technological society that is currently experiencing shortages of trained personnel in various scientific areas and in science education. Coursework in physics will provide the student pursuing entrance to graduate school in physics or astronomy with a strong grounding in mathematics and physics, while being immersed in an atmosphere of a broad, liberal education in the humanities and social sciences. This curriculum enables a student to enter applied technical fields in industry such as electronics, optics, and aerospace, where there is currently a high demand. Students seeking a degree in physics should consult early in their college career with members of the Physics Department.

Fort Lewis College offers three options to the BS degree in physics: traditional Physics, an ABET-accredited option in Engineering-Physics, and preparation for secondary education teachers in physical science. A minor in physics is available for students majoring in other disciplines; a minor in engineering is also available.

All courses used to meet Physics options and minor requirements must be passed with a grade of C- or higher, with the exception of Phys and Engr 496 and 497.

Majors and Minors in Physics:

Physics Major - Engineering Physics Option

Physics Major - Physics for Secondary Teachers Option

Physics Major - Physics Option

Physics Minor

Engineering

Department Chair - Ryan K. Haaland
Email: haaland_r@fortlewis.edu

Professors - Gerald Crawford and Donald R. May
Associate Professor - Laurie Williams

Fort Lewis College offers two exciting engineering programs. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) degree is a unique program designed to produce broadly-trained and creative engineers who can meet the emerging challenges facing the engineering profession and our increasingly global society. This program is designed to provide a solid foundation and breadth in mathematics, basic sciences, engineering science and design, communications, humanities, and social sciences, while providing students an opportunity to pursue additional specialization in areas such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering, or a combination of these. This degree, set in our liberal arts curriculum, provides great flexibility in curricular and career pathways, allowing for multidisciplinary experiences and novel combinations of expertise. Graduates will be able to successfully pursue a broad range of career paths. ABET engineering accreditation is pending for this new program.

The second option is the ABET accredited engineering program resulting in a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in the Engineering-Physics option of the Physics major. This popular program combines the theory of physics with the application of engineering into an ABET accredited engineering program that prepares students to enter the high tech workforce or graduate school.

For a list of program courses go to the Majors, Minors and Options page. For BSE choose Engineering. For Engineering-Physics choose Physics.

All courses used to meet Engineering major and minor requirements must be passed with a grade of C- or higher, with the exception of Engr 496 and 497.

Majors and Minors in Engineering:

Engineering Major

Engineering Minor