UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Physics

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know what field of engineering I want to study?

You do not need to select a specific field of engineering until you apply for transfer or admission to the engineering university. Your courses will be very similar during your first two years of college regardless of which field of engineering you eventually pursue. You will take calculus, physics, chemistry and general engineering courses.

UWRF also offers degrees in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Technology.

How long can I stay at UW-River Falls?

Some students decide that they want to stay at UWRF more than two or three years. If you find that this is the case, you can finish your Applied Physics for Industry and Engineering (APIE) degree at UWRF in about four years.

How long do I have to stay at UW-River Falls?

Some students transfer to engineering universities after one or two years of pre-engineering work at UWRF. In these cases, students apply directly to engineering universities for transfer admission. There is no guarantee of admission.  You will want to select courses that will transfer to your engineering university. Several on-line transfer aids are available to help you plan.

What if I change my mind and want to switch engineering paths?

Students do change their minds about which engineering program they would like to pursue:  Physics Dual Degree or Chemistry Dual Degree, Pre-Engineering, Applied Physics for Industry and Engineering, Agricultural or Environmental Engineering, Engineering Technology, graduate school, etc. 

When you are considering a change, the first step is to meet with your adviser to see how already-completed courses can best fit into the new option. Most courses apply to each of the engineering options. There are times when students will need an extra semester or two to graduate, but advisers can help minimize the extra time.

I thought I wanted to be a civil engineer, but now I think I want to be a mechanical engineer.  Is that a problem?

Not at all. When transferring or applying to an engineering university, students will usually be asked to select an engineering field. This does not happen until your second, third or fourth years at UWRF, depending on which engineering program you are pursuing.

I want to be a chemical engineer or a materials engineer/scientist. Should I still take physics?

Yes, but you should also contact the chair of the UWRF Chemistry Department. They will advise you about which chemistry courses to take.

Do I have to pay for my graduate degree too?

Not in science and engineering. Most graduate students in science and engineering have their tuition covered and they receive an additional stipend or salary. Graduate students often work with faculty members on research projects.  Graduate students are often supported by the research grants of their faculty. These research arrangements often include tuition remission and stipends for living expenses for students. Some graduate students also work as teaching assistants for their department and can earn tuition remission and a stipend in that way. Students considering a graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in engineering are encouraged to contact professors that are working on projects they find interesting.

I want to visit/take a tour.  Whom do I contact?

For a visit and tour of the Physics Department, contact physics@uwrf.edu or call the department main office: 715-425-3235. Parents and families are welcome. Evening and weekend visits are possible by arrangement.

Campus tours and admissions presentations are available from the UWRF Admissions Office. Email: admissions@uwrf.edu. P: 715-425-3500.

What classes should I take in high school?

Take as much math and science, especially physics, in high school as possible. If your high school offers calculus and physics, take them. If your high school offers a second year of calculus and/or physics, take those too. UWRF does offer college course credit for successful A.P. exams if scores are high enough. You should also take English courses, both writing and speaking. Chemistry, computer-aided design (CAD), and Computer Science are also helpful.

If I didn't take calculus in high school, can I still be an engineer?

Yes, you canYou should take the free UWRF math placement test (online and in-person options are available) before you enroll so that you can be placed in the correct math course. You can then take the math you need in order to prepare yourself for calculus and physics. This may increase the time to graduation, but it has been done many times. It is important to take the math placement test so that you can start in the most advanced math course for which you qualify.

What classes would I start with?

A prepared engineering student at UWRF will usually begin by taking Calculus I (MATH 166) and Calculus-Based Physics I (PHYS 131). Some students are ready for Calculus II (MATH 167) when they enroll at UWRF. Academic advising is readily available from department faculty.

How good do my ACT scores/GPA need to be?

Most engineering majors have scored at least 24 on the math portion of the ACT and are ranked in the top 20% of their high school class. Because grade point averages vary from school to school, the most important criteria for engineering majors are: an aptitude for math, a sincere interest in engineering, and a commitment to working hard. The engineering and physics programs at UWRF are rigorous and not for the half-hearted, but you will find a great deal of academic support once you decide to pursue your degree here.

Contact Us

Physics Department
physics@uwrf.edu
715-425-4630
127 Centennial Science Hall

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