FB Pixel Skip to Main Content
Teacher writing on whiteboard for students in class

Applied Physics/Pre-Engineering

Bachelor of Science

Through the applied physics major, you’ll learn about the nature of the universe from energy and matter to motion and space. Students do hands-on work in cutting-edge laboratory settings to understand the relevance of these laws and theories in a practical sense and consider how to implement them into your future projects as a scientist or engineer.

Program Overview

Applied Physics/Pre-Engineering

Upgrade your gray matter.

Physicists are concerned with understanding the fundamental laws of nature and how to apply those laws in a practical way. Physics is a rewarding area of study because it provides a basis for understanding the natural world and modern technology, and satisfies intellectual curiosity. The Physics curriculum at Western provides opportunities for students to take course work that supports other scientific and technical disciplines, to complete an academic major or minor, or to prepare for physics and engineering programs at other institutions.

Going Beyond the Classroom

Strengthen your resume by participating in engaging extracurricular activities such as NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium Robotics Challenge.

Program Requirements

At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.

The Applied Physics/Pre-Engineering Major requires a minimum of 56 credits:

Course List
Code Title Credits
Select one of the following pairs of courses:8
PHYS 190
PHYS 185
General Physics I (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics I (GT-SC1)
AND
PHYS 191
PHYS 186
General Physics II (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics II (GT-SC1)
OR
PHYS 170
PHYS 185
Principles of Physics I (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics I (GT-SC1)
AND
PHYS 171
PHYS 186
Principles of Physics II (GT-SC2)
and Laboratory Physics II (GT-SC1)
And the following:
PHYS 320Modern Physics3
PHYS 250Statics3
PHYS 251Dynamics3
At least twelve credits chosen from the following:12
CHEM 451
Physical Chemistry I
ENGR 363
Mechanics of Solids
MATH 358
Introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
PHYS 330
Classical Mechanics
PHYS 335
Fluid Mechanics
PHYS 350
Electricity and Magnetism I
PHYS 351
Electricity and Magnetism II
PHYS 452
Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 462
Astrophysics
At least two credits of Capstone Experience courses:2
PHYS 495
Physics Capstone (may be repeated)
Minimum supporting courses:
Either: 3-4
CHEM 121
General Chemistry for Engineers
Or both:
CHEM 111
CHEM 112
General Chemistry I (GT-SC2)
and General Chemistry Laboratory I (GT-SC1)
CS 190Computer Science I3
or CS 191 Computer Science II
And the following:
ENGR 131Introduction to Engineering Design3
ENGR 161COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN3
ENGR 265Engineering as a Profession1
MATH 151Calculus I (GT-MA1)4
MATH 251Calculus II4
MATH 252Calculus III4
Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
MATH 151 Calculus I (GT-MA1) 4
PHYS 170
or PHYS 190
Principles of Physics I (GT-SC2)
or General Physics I (GT-SC2)
3
PHYS 185 Laboratory Physics I (GT-SC1) 1
CS 190
or CS 191
Computer Science I
or Computer Science II
3
CHEM 121 General Chemistry for Engineers 3
HWTR 100 First Year Seminar 1
Gen Ed Area I 3
 Credits18
Spring
ENGR 131 Introduction to Engineering Design 3
ENGR 161 COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN 3
PHYS 171
or PHYS 191
Principles of Physics II (GT-SC2)
or General Physics II (GT-SC2)
3
PHYS 186 Laboratory Physics II (GT-SC1) 1
MATH 251 Calculus II 4
Gen Ed Area III 3
 Credits17
Year Two
Fall
MATH 252 Calculus III 4
PHYS 250 Statics 3
PHYS 320 Modern Physics 3
ENGR 265 Engineering as a Profession 1
Elective PHYS Elective (upper division) 3
 Credits14
Spring
MATH 358 Introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra 4
PHYS 251 Dynamics 3
Elective PHYS Elective (upper division) 3
Elective PHYS Elective (upper division) 3
ENG 102 Writing and Rhetoric I (GT-CO1) 3
 Credits16
Year Three
Fall
ENG 103 Writing and Rhetoric II (GT-CO2) 3
Gen Ed Area I 3
Gen Ed Area III 3
Elective Elective/Minor 3
Elective Elective/Minor 3
 Credits15
Spring
Gen Ed Area I 3
Gen Ed Area III 3
Elective Elective/Minor 3
Elective Elective/Minor 3
Elective Elective/Minor 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
PHYS 495 Physics Capstone 1
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
Elective Elective/Minor 2
 Credits15
Spring
PHYS 495 Physics Capstone 1
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
Elective Elective/Minor (upper division) 3
 Credits13
 Total Credits123

Careers


Top Skills

  • Communication
  • Computer Science
  • Equipment Repair
  • Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Research



Career Pathways

  • Architectural or Engineering Manager
  • Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology Manager
  • Mechatronics Engineer
  • Solar Energy Systems Engineer
  • Water Resource Specialist
  • Wind Energy Engineer

Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.

Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation. Wondering how you can apply your program of choice to your intellectual and personal journey? Check out our “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool to explore the diverse opportunities and pathways within any degree program.

Scholarships

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your Scholarships

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your Scholarships

Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship

The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.

Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.

  • This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
  • Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
  • GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).

Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.

Apply

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).

Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:

  • This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
  • Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
  • The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
  • GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).

The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.

Apply

Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship

The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.

Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).

  • Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
  • The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
  • The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.

The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.

For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.

For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.

Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.

For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.

Note: Students enrolled in a Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program (i.e. major) do not qualify for Western Merit Scholarship programs. See the Rady Merit Scholarship section above for scholarship opportunities.

Get Involved

Applied Physics/Pre-Engineering

Get Involved

Your student experience doesn’t end in the classroom at Western. Learn more about opportunities you can pursue to enhance your understanding of content, make peer and professional connections, and build your resume before graduating.

  • BalloonSAT: Design a satellite mission to the edge of space
  • Competition: Western students built an automated Mars rover-like robot for NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium Robotics Challenge.
  • Gunnison Valley Observatory: Faculty and students use this sophisticated facility for research and teaching.
  • Independent Projects: Students are encouraged to work on projects and conduct research with Physics faculty.

Understanding Through Action

In the Applied Physics program, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your classroom knowledge through interactive labs in most of the courses you’ll take.

News & Research

Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Read More about Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Department Chairperson

Anne W. Ryter, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry; Chair of Natural & Environmental Sciences Dept.

Administrative Assistant

Lori Clement

NES Administrative Assistant

Contact Information

970.943.2015

aryter@western.edu

Campus Location

Western Colorado University
Hurst Hall 128
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western
Students pose for a photo on top of Mount Crested Butte in the summer

Apply to
Western

We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.

Visit
Western
Colorado Hall with the Palisades in the background on a bluebird day.

Visit
Western

The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.

Alumni
Community
A group of four alumni look at a display of old photos on a table.

Alumni
Community

We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

Request
Information
A few students pose for a photo behind a table.

Request
Information

Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.