Daytona Beach Campus - College of Arts & Sciences

Department of Physical Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I study Engineering Physics at ERAU?

There are two major reasons for studying EP at ERAU. First, it is a program that will appeal to everyone who loves mathematics and physics. In fact, EP students automatically earn a Minor in Mathematics with the courses required of the BS degree. Societal feedback often discourages young people from seeking a BS in Physics because of the perception of limited job opportunities. In the EP Program one can study physics and maintain the option of employment as an engineer (with high starting salaries). Second, SPACE. The EP Program emphasizes the space program as a career goal, which is quite attractive to many young men and women. EP prepares its graduates for roles in space science and also in space mission design and planning activities. We attract many astronaut-wannabes. At Embry-Riddle-Daytona Beach Campus, the EP Program is our space BS degree.

I've never heard of "Engineering Physics." What is it?

There are about 100 EP Programs across the US; most have only a handful of students. ERAU's EP Program is relatively new -- the first class graduated in 1991 -- yet it is one of the largest in the nation. Of the 100 programs, only about twenty, including this one, have ABET engineering accreditation. Outside of the U.S. Air Force Academy, this is one of the few EP programs that emphasize space.

How many female students are in the program?

Another interesting feature of the Embry-Riddle EP program is how well it attracts and retains women students. Since the first class, we have averaged 25 to 30 percent female graduates. This is double the national average for engineering programs, almost double the AE program's share, higher than the typical physics program (15-20 percent) and also about double the DB Campus share. We also attract the best students of any program on campus.

What is the difference between Engineering Physics and Aerospace Engineering (AE); how would a young person choose between them?

There are many differences but both are first-rate programs. AE has its strengths in aircraft and aerodynamics, while EP has its strength in the space program (i.e. space physics and space systems engineering). EP is also a much smaller program, by factors of 5 to 7, and as such enjoys some additional closeness and identity. The EP degree prepares the graduate for a broad range of jobs and a wider range of graduate study programs. The EP Program is more mathematics- and physics-oriented and appeals to students who excel in these endeavors. Both programs are accredited by the national Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET). Both offer extensive opportunities to learn state-of-the-art computer-design software and to practice team-based design projects.

How does space fit into the EP curriculum?

These students take courses in Spaceflight Dynamics, Space Systems Engineering, and Space Physics; and they spend their junior and senior years learning space mission design and planning, in three courses. This includes a full year capstone, team-based senior design project. These are always space projects. In recent years, we have obtained our projects directly from two NASA centers, from the Naval Research Laboratory, as well as national collegiate design competitions through the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics).

Do EP students participate is programs such as co-ops, internships, and Study Abroad?

Yes, in fact they have been leading the way in Study Abroad programs. EP students make good use of summer internships with government laboratories, industry, and university-based research. The area in which EP students have lagged other technical programs is in traditional, academic year co-ops. Our courses are not all offered every semester, so that the order in which you attend classes by semester is very important. Even with these impediments, the EP co-op program is growing each year. The co-op opportunities are excellent.