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Engineering Physics

The Engineering Physics at UCA is an engineering degree that focuses on robotics and automation. Students will study a number of different areas of engineering: mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to prepare them to work in this field of robotics. Students who complete this degree will be prepared to work in any field where automation is an important component; modern manufacturing, transportation automation (self driving cars and trucks), modern warehouses, and many more areas.

Curriculum

The Engineering Physics program is a 125 hour Engineering Physics (calculus ready) degree program and 129 hour Engineering Physics (calculus-prep) degree program.

Accreditation

The Engineering Physics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Engineering Physics. The Engineering Physics program is the first ABET accredited engineering program in UCA’s history!

  • ABET is a specialized accreditor who accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
  • With ABET accreditation, students, parents, employers, and the society we serve can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.
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Program Details

The Engineering Physics program at UCA has the following mission statement, program educational objectives and student learning outcomes.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Engineering Physics program is to provide the highest quality education for students in the principles of Physics and Engineering with hands-on practical applications relevant to industry. This foundation prepares our students for careers tackling complex problems in multidisciplinary areas that are at the forefront of advancements in science and technology.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of our program will:

  1. Practice fundamental physics and engineering principles in the workforce or through graduate level education.
  2. Develop and innovate new knowledge or technology either individually or as part of a team.
  3. Demonstrate leadership through active participation in work, professional societies, non-profit organizations, or community engagement.
  4. Commit to continued learning through pursuit of professional licensure, professional certification, or completion of graduate studies.

Student Outcomes

Students in the program are expected to know and be able to do the following by the time of graduation:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Graduates & Enrolled Students

Values reported on October 17, 2025.

Enrollment Fall 21 Fall 22 Fall 23 Fall 24 Fall 25
BS-Engineering Physics 36 45 51 73 95

 

Degrees Awarded 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 24/25
BS-Engineering Physics 1 3 5 4 4

 

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