Watch the Video: First-Year Major Advising Webinar: Physics & Engineering
Notes
Overview of the Programs: Dr. Darren Craig and JoAnna Smith (Academic Advising) provided a comprehensive introduction to the Physics and Engineering Department at Wheaton, outlining the available degree tracks, new faculty, and the structure of the department for incoming students.
Department Structure and Faculty: Dr. Craig explained that the Physics and Engineering Department is unified but offers multiple programs and major tracks. He introduced current and incoming faculty, highlighting their areas of expertise, and noted that two new faculty members, Dr. Anna Hancock and Dr. Sang Suk Lee, will join in the fall.
Physics Degree Tracks: Dr. Craig described four physics tracks: BS Physics (most rigorous, recommended for graduate school or research), BA Physics (more flexible, suitable for double majors or study abroad), BS Applied Physics (combines physics with engineering coursework, flexible for various career paths), and BS Physics with Teaching (double major with secondary education, leads to teaching certification in Illinois).
Engineering Degree Options: Dr. Craig outlined two main engineering pathways: the BS Engineering degree (with concentrations in mechanical, civil/environmental, and biomedical engineering, currently seeking ABET accreditation) and the 3-2 Liberal Arts Engineering program (three years at Wheaton, two years at a partner engineering school, resulting in two bachelor's degrees).
First-Year Course Recommendations: For all tracks, students are advised to take Physics 231 (calculus-based physics) and Math 231 (Calculus I), with flexibility based on prior coursework or AP/transfer credits. Engineering students should also enroll in Engineering 101, a one-credit seminar introducing the field and department.
Research, Extracurriculars, and Student Opportunities: Dr. Craig discussed research opportunities, student employment in the observatory, and ways to engage in departmental and campus activities, emphasizing the value of early involvement for both physics and engineering students.
Undergraduate Research: Students can participate in research during the summer or academic year, with stipends and housing provided for summer research. Dr. Craig and other faculty supervise projects in plasma physics, quantum information, and engineering, and students are encouraged to get involved early to build their resumes for graduate school or industry.
Observatory Employment: The department employs students to work in the campus observatory, with training provided for both small and large telescopes. Interested students should contact Dr. Craig in the fall to inquire about openings for the spring semester.
Extracurricular Involvement: Students are encouraged to participate in music ensembles, the Society of Physics Students (which includes engineering), and diversity initiatives in STEM. The department also hosts weekly social events like tea and cookie time to foster community.
Academic Planning, Credit Transfer, and Advising: JoAnna Smith and Dr. Craig addressed questions about AP/transfer credits, dual enrollment, course registration, and the role of faculty advisors, providing guidance on navigating academic requirements and planning individualized degree paths.
AP and Transfer Credit Policies: AP Precalculus with a score of 4 or 5 grants credit for Math 131. Students with community college credits should ensure transcripts are sent to the Academic Advising Office for timely processing. AP Physics credit can be used for Physics 231, but students must choose between using the credit or retaking the course; duplicate credit is not awarded.
Course Registration and Overrides: If transfer or AP credits are pending, students can often be registered for advanced courses once transcripts are received. In special cases, faculty can override prerequisites or enroll students in full classes, especially during the advising session before classes start.
Advising Structure: Engineering students are assigned Jeff Yoder as a secondary advisor until they declare a major, after which he may become the primary advisor for 3-2 students. Advisors assist with complex academic plans, including combining majors, certificates, or study abroad.
Program Flexibility, Double Majors, and Special Programs: Dr. Craig and JoAnna Smith explained the feasibility of double majors, participation in programs like Equitas, and the flexibility of different degree tracks, highlighting the importance of careful planning for students with multiple interests.
Double Majoring: Double majoring in physics or engineering with another field is possible, especially with the BA Physics or BS Applied Physics tracks due to their flexibility. However, double majoring in engineering and music is not feasible due to scheduling conflicts and high credit requirements.
Equitas and Other Certificates: Students in programs like Equitas Fellows in Sustainability can combine these with physics or engineering majors, but must plan carefully. Transfer or AP credits can help make these combinations more manageable.
Study Abroad: Study abroad is typically done in the sophomore or junior year, not the first year. Students must coordinate with advisors to ensure required major courses are not missed, as many are only offered once per year. Applied Physics and BA Physics offer more flexibility for study abroad.
Engineering Program Accreditation and Structure: Dr. Craig provided an update on the BS Engineering program's ABET accreditation process, explained the structure of concentrations, and clarified the distinction between concentrations and full engineering degrees.
ABET Accreditation Status: The BS Engineering program is in the process of seeking ABET accreditation, with a self-study submitted and a site visit scheduled. If approved, accreditation will be retroactive to include recent graduates.
Concentration Structure: Students choose from mechanical, civil/environmental, or biomedical engineering concentrations, each with a set of required and elective courses. The first year is common for all concentrations, allowing students to decide later.
No Immediate Plans for Full Discipline Degrees: There are currently no plans to offer full mechanical, civil, or biomedical engineering degrees; the BS Engineering with concentrations is designed to fit Wheaton's liberal arts curriculum and general education requirements.
Technology and Course Logistics: Dr. Craig answered questions about computer requirements for engineering students, course formats, and lab expectations, providing practical advice for incoming students.
Computer Requirements: Students can use either PC or Mac computers, but some engineering software is more compatible with PCs. The department provides access to necessary software via remote desktop, and students are advised to prioritize RAM and CPU when purchasing a laptop.
Course and Lab Structure: Many courses, especially in physics and engineering, include zero-credit labs that require significant time commitment. Students should account for this when planning their schedules.
Student Demographics and Outcomes: Dr. Craig provided statistics on incoming and graduating engineering class sizes, retention rates, and gender ratios, offering transparency about program demographics and expectations.
Class Size and Retention: The incoming engineering class is expected to be 35–40 students, with retention rates around 60–70%. The first graduating class had six students, with future classes expected to be larger as the program matures.
Gender Ratios: The proportion of women in engineering varies by concentration, with biomedical and environmental engineering having higher percentages (30–40%) and mechanical engineering lower (around 15%). The overall program aligns with national averages.
Q&A: Common Student Concerns: JoAnna Smith and Dr. Craig addressed a range of student questions on topics such as course selection, registration logistics, and engagement opportunities, ensuring clarity for incoming students.
Calculus Readiness Test: Students should take the calculus readiness test if planning to enroll in Calculus I. Minimal preparation is needed, and students can retake the test after reviewing feedback.
Housing for 3-2 Program: Students in the 3-2 program with IIT can choose to live in Wheaton housing, IIT housing, or private apartments, depending on their preferences and class locations.
Links Included:
Physics: Applied Physics, Bachelor of Science