When engineering physics graduates interview for jobs, Professor Rahim Khoie says, they are often asked to explain their degrees. This is perhaps to be expected: the field of engineering physics is only a few decades old. Consequently, job applicants with Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering Physics applying for jobs are relatively rare, compared with those with mechanical engineering degrees, for example.

So, what is engineering physics? Formally a hybrid of mechanical and electrical engineering, Khoie says that it is a “physics-flavored engineering discipline.” It is a multidisciplinary, cross-functional engineering degree for students who love physics and want to work in industry — who want to understand the universe and its workings — down to its elements and who want to create tools that can improve peoples’ lives.  

Engineering physics majors receive a deeper education in physics and math than other engineering students, frequently taking math classes through Calculus III and applied differential equations, thermal physics, quantum mechanics and advanced electives in both subjects. These courses provide a strong theoretical and technical background to support future specialization.  

Applied physics vs. engineering physics: Engineering physics programs are usually housed in engineering schools, whereas applied physics programs are usually housed in a university’s school of arts and sciences. At University of the Pacific, engineering physics students get the best of both worlds, studying with professors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and learning the fundamentals of engineering with professors in the School of Engineering and Computer Science. 

What can you do with an engineering physics degree?

An engineering physics degree prepares students for more technical jobs within physics or more theoretical engineering jobs, as well as for graduate school in physics or engineering.  

Interesting projects in college: Because it is an interdisciplinary field, engineering physics students work on projects that tend to be particularly interesting. Here are some examples of projects that engineering physics majors at Pacific have worked on:  

Two engineering physics majors built a device for measuring the performance of different types of nanoparticles used in solar stills to speed up the process of distilling salt water into fresh water. In this desalination process, nanoparticles absorb a wide spectrum of the available sunlight and make the surface of the water heat up faster than it otherwise would. The process has the potential to increase the availability of fresh water in communities without reliable access to potable water.

• Two engineering physics majors built a device for measuring the performance of different types of nanoparticles used in solar stills to speed up the process of distilling salt water into fresh water. In this desalination process, nanoparticles absorb a wide spectrum of the available sunlight and make the surface of the water heat up faster than it otherwise would. The process has the potential to increase the availability of fresh water in communities without reliable access to potable water.
• An engineering physics major worked with electrical and computer engineering majors to create a real-time display of local, national and global levels of carbon dioxide. They used a network of solar-powered sensors built by the students and placed locally in concert with data streams from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• Another group of engineering students, including one in the engineering physics degree program, developed a method of tracking changes in water salinity and temperature in wetlands, to better understand water filtration in those areas. To do this, they built a net of floating nodes with sensors that could monitor and store data. 

Graduate school: An engineering physics degree is good preparation for graduate studies in both engineering fields and physics. Students have a variety of options if they wish to pursue further education:  

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering: Because an engineering physics degree program introduces students to electrical and mechanical engineering, graduate school in either discipline would be a logical next step for students who want to pursue higher-level careers in either area. 
  • Some MSE degrees are offered in blended programs, where some graduate coursework can be completed during a student’s undergraduate years. They can also be obtained as stand-alone degrees.  
  • Some programs require a thesis and others don’t; others let you choose. A thesis-track MSE can be good preparation for a PhD, whereas a non-thesis MSE can provide more immediate career benefits.  
• MS or PhD in physics: An engineering physics program might convince you to pursue pure physics, at either the master’s degree or doctoral level.  

Engineering physics jobs: The engineering physics curriculum prepares students to work in fields where technology is changing rapidly, salaries are competitive, and the boundaries of several traditional engineering disciplines overlap, such as: 

• Robotics: Working in robotics will draw on your ability to program and to build electrical circuits and other electronic components. Familiarity with AI is a plus, as are the critical thinking skills you’ll develop while you obtain your engineering physics degree. 
• Mechatronics: This field combines mechanical engineering and electronics, so engineering physics graduates are well-suited to it. People in this field work in manufacturing  creating electronic parts, products and tools. 
• Micromachines: Micromachines are machines built at microscopic scale that perform a variety of tasks. Some are sensors, which can identify chemicals or detect types of movement, and others serve other functions, including as actuators or as part of gears and lever systems.  
• Laser physics: Many jobs in laser physics and photonics—whether working with semiconductor lasers or for a defense contractor—are engineering-oriented. Gaining practical experience by making the most of your labs and doing internships in industry is key if you want to work in this field. 
• Medical instrumentation: Medical instrumentation engineers design, create and maintain a wide variety of medical devices, such as sensors that can detect the presence of proteins or other substances in blood to help with disease diagnosis and management, or machines that can be used in hospitals and doctors’ offices to improve patient care. 

CO-OP HIGHLIGHT

Mark Castaneda ’25

After completing an internship at NASA Goddard in 2022, Castaneda was accepted into the highly selective NASA Pathways program. Students hired for Pathways work multiple positions and branches while completing their studies, then continue their work full-time upon graduation. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARK

Engineering physics at Pacific 

Engineering physics students take classes in both the School of Engineering and Computer Science and in the physics and mathematics departments in College of the Pacific.  

First and second years: During their first year and second year, engineering physics students take classes across the university to fulfill their general education requirement and begin taking classes to fulfill their major requirements. 

Third year: Like most other engineering majors, engineering physics students are required to participate in Pacific’s CO-OP program, which sets students up with two-semester paid internships to gain hands-on experience which they can add to their resumes, and which prepares them for the professional world they’ll enter when they graduate. Engineering physics majors frequently work for chip manufacturers like NVIDIA.  

Fourth year: All engineering students are required to do a two-semester-long senior design project, working with other students from other engineering disciplines to design and build a product with a useful function. The examples of student projects given above are a sampling of senior design projects from Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. Students also complete the other requirements for their major. 

MSE dual-degree option: Pacific’s engineering physics students have the option to begin the coursework for a Master of Science in Engineering degree while they are undergraduates, shortening the length of time it would take to earn the graduate degree (and reducing its cost).  

Engineering Physics

Pacific’s engineering physics degree program educates you to work in areas where technology is changing rapidly and where the boundaries of traditional engineering disciplines overlap.

Learn how to apply

Mark Castaneda
Major: Engineering Physics 
Graduation Year: 2025 
Transfer: San Joaquin Delta College 
Hometown: Stockton, California 
Extracurriculars:  Small-Radio-Telescope Group, Tau Beta Pi 

Fourth-year engineering physics student Mark Castaneda once faced barriers he wasn’t sure he would overcome. Today, he is employed at NASA. 

Shooting for the stars 

“My journey to where I am now is a huge part of who I am… I am a first-generation, low-income, nontraditional, formerly homeless, formerly incarcerated student,” Mark said. “I’ve had so many doors shut in my face because of my background, but it only takes one open door; keep going until you get that ‘yes.’” 

The door to the world’s most renowned space agency opened for Mark when he was accepted to the highly selective NASA Pathways program—an internship track to employment at the agency.  

After transferring to Pacific during his sophomore year, Mark applied to NASA internships over 30 times, eventually scoring a lower-level internship in 2022 at NASA Goddard. Once his internship at Goddard was complete, Mark kept applying for opportunities at NASA––this time to the highly selective Pathways Program, which would fulfill his CO-OP requirement for Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. 

Pacific’s Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) is a collaboration between the university and a vast pool of employers designed to ensure students learn on-the-job, real-time skills within their industry of study, all while earning a salary and college credit. Each CO-OP must meet a series of requirements set by the university and provides opportunities for networking, hands-on work, and a head start on career experience. The program also provides career skills support, including resume writing. Staff monitor students’ progress throughout their CO-OP. 

CO-OPs are an invaluable resource for students like Mark, whose career goals demand he sets himself apart from the talent pool.  

Finally, after years of effort, Mark scored an interview for the Pathways Program. One long month later, he received his offer letter. 

“Something that I found really amazing was that the final application I sent—the one that got me the interview—was the first time I had included my background in my cover letter. I think that helped set me apart,” Mark said. “I’m so happy to work at a place that doesn’t deny me because of my past, but instead lifts me up towards a future.” 

Living a physics engineer’s dream 

Mark’s future at NASA is practically guaranteed. Students hired for Pathways work multiple positions and branches while completing their studies, then continue their work full-time upon graduation. 

“The NASA Pathways program is incredible in that I won’t have to reapply or go through any interview process once I decide to work full-time because I am already considered a NASA civil servant (government employee) in all respects,” Mark said.  

Mark currently works at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in the Aerosciences and Flight Mechanics Division where he studies and develops optical navigation. 

“Here, I am developing technology to guide the Orion spacecraft to put humans back on the moon in upcoming missions,” Mark said. “As it turns out, even with all of humanity’s advancements, navigation using stars is still often the most reliable way to pilot a vessel, and that includes spacecraft.” 

Developing professional and life skills through CO-OP 

Mark says his CO-OP experience has challenged him and helped him grow, pushing him to be a better leader, communicator and teammate.  

“In school, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ll be able to solve most problems by ourselves. But at work, no success happens without a team,” Mark said. “I’ve developed confidence not in the sense that I’m sure of what I’m doing or that I have all the knowledge required, but confidence to be 100% sure that I can gain that knowledge and ultimately figure it out.”.  

Before coming to Pacific, Mark admits, he did not really understand what an engineer did. But since studying at the School of Engineering and Computer Science, then applying his skills on-the-job at NASA, Mark has realized “engineering” is an expansive and exciting field.  

“I guess I thought engineers worked strictly on engines, like an auto mechanic?” Mark said. “But engineering is a lot like physics—it takes all the concepts and principles developed in the realm of physics and uses them to create, design and solve problems. To bring forward tangible, real-world innovation.” 

Mark is grateful to Pacific’s CO-OP team, particularly Director of CO-OP Irene Camy, for supporting him throughout his journey.  

“Irene is a constant source of support. Her positivity is contagious, and she often checks in with me to see how things are going. It’s nice knowing she has my back,” Mark said.  

Reaching even higher 

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Mark plans to remain in Pathways while he pursues his master’s degree and doctorate. After that, he will complete his Pathways track and officially transfer to full-time employment at NASA. 

Naturally, we asked if Mark would ever consider becoming an astronaut: 

“You know, while it’s not my current plan, the more I see here at NASA, the more I ask myself, ‘how could I not?’” he said. “Being accepted to the astronaut program feels insanely out of reach, but then again, so did getting into the Pathways Program. Maybe I one day I can bring along a little stuffed Powercat as a zero-g indicator.” 

School of Engineering and Computer Science student Mark Castaneda ’25 is living out his dream internship this summer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as a research assistant.

Below, he tells us what a typical day interning at NASA looks like for him, how he made his resume stand out (hint: it involves a cool Pacific engineering physics project), and his advice to students for persevering through hardship.  

What I do at my internship

I am currently a junior research assistant under Dr. Martin Cordiner in the Astrochemistry/Planetary Sciences Department.

A normal day for me is spent manipulating and analyzing data obtained from the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) Radio Observatory. Right now, I am observing Venus’s atmosphere, using radio spectroscopy to identify chemicals, temperatures and wind speeds.

When I was first offered the position, my mentor told me to be prepared for a challenging summer. He wasn’t kidding! This has been one of the most academically challenging experiences of my life, and equally rewarding.

How I got this opportunity

I got the internship through a contact I made as an NCAS student (NASA Community College Aerospace Scholar).

Last semester at Pacific, I started working with Professor Hetrick and Professor Hutter building a radio telescope on the roof of the physics building. This definitely made my resume stand out.

What I’ve learned through this experience

My favorite part of this internship is learning from the most brilliant people on the planet. The first half of my internship was in person at the NASA facility, so it was really exciting to meet some of the minds behind the amazing things NASA has been doing.

Technically speaking, I’ve learned about chemical processes in atmospheres of planets in our solar system, radio astronomy, spectroscopy, how to analyze spectral frequencies, and a few useful programming techniques. And I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

My advice for future interns

Network! Meet as many people as you can. More often than not people are happy to share about what they are working on, and new working relationships are worth stepping out of your comfort zone for a moment.

And no matter the hardship, no matter the mistakes, no matter what, never give up hope!

Want to learn more about what Pacific students are up to this summer? Keep an eye on People of Pacific this summer for more internship diaries!