Physics/Engineering 3+2

Experience the best of both worlds with our 3+2 Physics/Engineering program. This unique opportunity allows you to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and a Bachelor of Science in any Engineering major through an agreement with two of the nation’s top universities: the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) or Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).

During your first three years at Duquesne, you’ll complete a minimum of 102 credits, covering all physics requirements. Beginning as early as your second year, you’ll also take courses at the partner engineering school to ensure a smooth transition. In your fourth year, you’ll fully transition to either Pitt or CWRU to complete the engineering requirements and earn your two degrees.

Admission to the partner school is guaranteed subject to minimum requirements of GPA and course completion. All engineering majors at the partner school are eligible.  

If you find yourself having a hard time making a choice between physics and engineering, this is the ideal program for you. See our FAQ’s below for more relevant considerations.

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Program Information

The 3+2 Physics/Engineering program is an accelerated dual degree opportunity offered in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh or Case Western Reserve University.

Program Type

Dual Degree

Degree

Bachelor's

Academic Department

Engineering

Physics

Duration

5-years

Required Credit Hours

150 credits

 

Questions? Contact Us!

Contact your Student Success Coach to get started on your 3+2 physics/engineering path.

Michelle Rodriguez

Student Success Coach

School of Science and Engineering

michelle rodriguez

3+2 Physics/Engineering FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the 3+2 Program.

Yes, you will receive a Duquesne diploma for your bachelor of arts degree in physics and a diploma from the partner school for your bachelor of science degree in the engineering major of your choice.
 
No, you will only have 102 credits when you transfer, not enough for a degree. You will transfer credits back from the partner school to complete your Duquesne degree when you complete your engineering program.
 
No. But once you transfer to the partner school, you will be eligible for financial aid at the partner school.  
 
Extremely likely! It is very rare for a 3+2 candidate to fail to transfer. Close advisement is in place constantly to ensure that all candidates meet the required expectations by the time of transfer.
 

No at all! In the unlikely scenario that you are declined for transfer, you enroll at Duquesne for another semester and then apply for transfer again or complete your physics degree and graduate.

No, you will be in the same classes with all your peers in the physics program and will be eligible for all opportunities available to the physics majors, including employment.
Very few people have physics degrees. Adding this rare credential will make you stand out in job applications.

 

A Place Where You Can Thrive

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"Duquesne was the only school that always called or emailed me to check in and make sure I had all the resources I needed to make my decision. With all my ambitions and bigger goals, they worked with me to ensure that I felt like Duquesne was a place where I could see myself thrive."

Samiya Henry Samiya Henry, BA Physics/BS Mechanical Engineering '26 (Expected)
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Typical Course Sequence

All required credits before transfer are accommodated without the need for summer courses. A math minor is embedded. Candidates apply for transfer to the partner school at the completion of Year 3. Research is not required but plentiful opportunities are available.

Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • PHYS 221 + 221L Physics I - Mechanics + lab (5 credits)
  • MATH 115 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • EQ Essential Questions seminar (3 credits)
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills (1 credit)

Spring Semester (17 credits)
  • PHYS 222 + 222L Physics II - Electromagnetism + lab (5 credits)
  • MATH 116 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • Programming (3) COSC 160/170 Java/Python,DTSC 110 Data Science or ENGR 110 Matlab 
  • CHEM 121 + 121L Chemistry I+ lab (may take in Fall) (5 credits)
Fall Semester (17 credits)
  • PHYS 302 Optics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 312 Optics Lab (1 credit)
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
  • MATH 215 Calculus III (4 credits)
  • PHYS 332 Electronics (recommended physics elective)* (3 credits)
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)

Spring Semester (18 credits)
  • PHYS 374 Modern Physics (3 credits)
  • MATH 314 Differential Equations (3 credits)
  • Experiential Learning (PHYS 340 UG research recommended) (1 credit)
  • CHEM 122 + 122L Chemistry II + lab (5 credits)
  • PHYS 350 Math Methods (recommended physics elective)* (3 credits)
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature (3 credits)
Fall Semester (18 credits)
  • PHYS Physics Elective* (3 credits)
  • X-reg Engineering if needed (3 credits)
  • Communication Requirement - Scientific Writing or Technical Communication (3 cr)
  • Bridges course - Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • MATH 301 Prob & Stats 1 or Bridges course -Cultural Fluency (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Critical Thinking (3 credits)

Spring Semester (18 credits)

  • PHYS 464 Advanced Lab (capstone) (2 credits)
  • PHYS 105 Career Seminar (1 credit)
  • PHYS Physics Elective* (3 credits)
  • PHYS Physics Elective* (3 credits)
  • X-reg Engineering if needed (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Cultural Fluency or MATH 308 Numerical Analysis (3 credits)
  • Bridges course - Social & Historical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • PHYS 332 Electronics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 350 Math Methods in Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 401 Thermal Physics (4 credits)
  • PHYS 404 Solid State Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 405 Gravitational Astrophysics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 461 Mechanics (4 credits)
  • PHYS 470 Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits)
  • PHYS 473 Electrodynamics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 474 Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 475 Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 482W Particle Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 485 Relativity (3 credits)
  • PHYS 491 Introductory Materials Science I (3 credits)
  • PHYS 502 Adv Optical Theory and Devices (3 credits)

Learning Outcomes

At the successful conclusion of the Bachelor of Science in Physics program, students will:

  1. use fundamental physics laws and methods to solve problems.
  2. communicate effectively.
  3. function effectively on a team whose members establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  4. develop and conduct appropriate experimentation.
  5. apply technical software and coding methods to physics problems.

Accreditation

MSCHE is Duquesne University’s institutional accreditor, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for ensuring the highest standards of academic quality and integrity. This accreditation assures students that their learning experience meets nationally recognized standards of excellence, supports continuous improvement, and strengthens the value of their Duquesne degree both nationally and globally.