A combined program–beginning with courses at NIU and with final course work at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign or Chicago)–leading to baccalaureate degrees in physics and engineering, is available to interested students. During the years at NIU the student will be expected to complete most of the general education requirements and the usual first three years of a physics major. Any remaining NIU requirements and the courses necessary for the B.S. degree in the student’s chosen engineering field must be completed at the University of Illinois. A student will have advisers at both institutions to aid in planning the program of study. The student becomes eligible for degrees in both physics and engineering when the entire program is completed.
This program provides students an excellent opportunity to increase the breadth of their education while allowing them to develop a specialty. Students wishing to participate in this program are required to enroll at NIU as physics majors and should consult with the college’s Advising and Counseling Office or the Department of Physics for advisement.
Admission to the University of Illinois School of Engineering is not automatic upon completion of the first three years at NIU. The applicant must meet the same standards as any other student transferring into the School of Engineering. A student majoring in physics may also seek a degree in a chosen field of engineering from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University either as a second major or as a second baccalaureate degree. A student interested in either of these alternatives should see the catalog sections on second major and second baccalaureate degree and consult with both the Department of Physics and the appropriate NIU engineering department for advisement.
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