School of Arts and Sciences

Pre-Engineering

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Major in Applied Physics (Pre-engineering track)

The applied physics major is recommended for students aiming to go into the workforce after graduation, as well as those who intend to go to grad school for engineering. There is a high degree of flexibility in the choice of advanced courses, and the emphasis is on a practical approach.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AND COURSES

Dual-Degree Engineering Programs

Concordia’s physics department offers three dual-degree 3+2 pre-engineering programs in partnership with the College of Engineering at North Dakota State University in Fargo, the College of Engineering at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, and the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.

Students will complete three years of coursework at Concordia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied physics. The next two years of study will be at one of our partnering institutions listed above, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.

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Accelerated Dual-Degree Engineering Program

Starting in Fall 2026, pre-engineering students can choose the accelerated 3+3 master’s degree pathway from the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. After completing a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from Concordia, they will enter WashU (typically after their junior year) to complete an engineering master’s degree in just three years. (The 3+2 dual-degree option resulting in a bachelor’s degree in engineering from WashU is ending after the 2025-26 academic year.)

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Featured Course: PHYS 234
School of Arts & Sciences

Introduction to Material Sciences

Dr. Thelma Berquo

The pre-engineering course that has prepared me the most for continuing my education as a future engineer was Introduction to Materials Science (PHYS 234). We looked into the makeup of different materials and their applications in manufacturing while also testing various properties of materials during lab time.

”

Griffin Decker '25

Pre-Engineering Faculty Advisor

Before declaring pre-engineering as their area of study, students must first meet with the pre-engineering faculty advisor,  Dr. Manzoni.

Concordia’s pre-engineering advisor helps students develop a personalized game plan to navigate their dual-degree program. Dr. Manzoni is available for one-on-one meetings throughout the academic year.

Dual-Degree Program Options

A new partnership was announced in 2023 that students participating in the 3+2 NDSU dual-degree program will spend three years at Concordia before transferring to NDSU to complete an engineering major of their choice. Upon successful completion, they will graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia with a major in applied physics and a Bachelor of Science in engineering from NDSU. The following concentrations are offered in this program:

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Biosystems Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Construction Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering and Management
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Since Fall 2022, students have had the option of participating in the 3+2 Valparaiso dual-degree program, spending three years at Concordia and two years at Valparaiso University, obtaining a B.A. in applied physics from Concordia and a B.S. in engineering from Valparaiso University at the conclusion of the program. Three concentrations are offered in this program:

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Completion of the program coursework with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, both overall and in the pre-engineering math and science classes, is required for enrollment into either the NDSU or Valpo program.

Since Fall 2024, students may participate in a 3+2 or 3+3 dual-degree program with Washington University in St. Louis. With the 3+2 option*, they will spend three years at Concordia and two years at WashU, obtaining a B.A. in applied physics from Concordia and a B.S. in engineering from WashU at the conclusion of the program. With the 3+3 accelerated straight to master’s pathway, they will spend three years at Concordia and three years at WashU, obtaining a B.A. in applied physics from Concordia and a master’s degree from WashU at the conclusion of the program. The following engineering concentrations are offered in this program: 

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Systems Science and Engineering

Concordia students who maintain a 3.25 GPA and take the relevant required coursework are guaranteed acceptance at Washington University in St. Louis.

*Note: The 3+2 dual-degree option (resulting in two bachelor’s degrees; one from each institution) with WashU is ending after the 2025-26 academic year. However, the 3+3 accelerated dual-degree option (leading to a master’s degree) is continuing.

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Contact

Dr. Luiz A. Manzoni
Chair/Professor, Physics; Pre-Engineering Advisor Physics
P 218.299.3395
E manzoni@cord.edu