Here are the different dual-degree pathways:

• BS Physics + Master of Engineering (ME) in Mechanical Engineering: This 4 + 1 program is great preparation for a physics student who plans to pursue an industry job in engineering. Students complete their Physics BS coursework in 3 years at Montclair State. In year 4 they begin their Mechanical Engineering coursework at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. The BS from Montclair State is awarded at the end of year 4, and the Master’s degree is awarded after completion of year 5. The combination of physics and mechanical engineering degrees provides an exceptionally strong skill set to the graduate.
• BS Physics + Master of Science in Applied Mathematics: This 4 + 1 program provides a good option for students who want additional preparation and exploration in a field close to Physics. While completing their Physics BS, students can begin taking courses in Applied Mathematics. This includes a course in General Relativity, and students have the option to do a research or thesis project with a physics faculty member. This pathway is an excellent option for a student who wants to pursue a PhD in Physics or Applied Mathematics, or apply for an industry job that requires strong mathematical, computational, and problem-solving skills. See to learn more.
• BS Physics + Master of Business Administration (MBA): Many physicists become successful entrepreneurs and business people, or work in finance, accounting, and management consulting. A physics BS and a MBA provide a great degree pair as many companies are looking for candidates with strong analytical ability as well as knowledge of business, economics, and related fields. Students in this pathway begin their MBA coursework in their senior year, graduate with their Physics BS degree, then wrap up their MBA in year 5. See for more information.
• MS Physics + Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Montclair State has a long history of training physics teachers and our graduates routinely land coveted positions in academically strong high schools. This 4 + 1 pathway provides the same rigorous training as our Physics major and certifies the graduate to teach high school Physics or Physical Science (physics + chemistry). In addition to the Master’s degree (which affords most new teachers a higher starting salary), this program provides additional training that leads to a certification in teaching students with disabilities. These are especially good options for transfer students interested in physics teaching. In addition to the 4+1 BS/MAT options, the stand-alone MAT degree in Physics or Physical Science is also available for students who have already completed their undergraduate degree in a field close to Physics. See our degree programs page for more information about our options for becoming a physics teacher.

For more information about these degree programs, please see our degree programs website or contact our department chairperson.

Interested in Engineering? Consider our newly updated 5-year dual-degree program with the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. Students in this program spend their first three years at ÌÇÐÄvlog working on the requirements for a BS in Physics. In Year 4 of the program they enroll full-time in the Masters program at Stevens, working toward their Master of Engineering (ME) degree in Mechanical Engineering. Some of those ME courses will also count towards finishing the requirements for the BS Physics degree, awarded at the end of Year 4, with the ME degree awarded by Stevens at the end of Year 5.

Eligibility and Process

Students who are not accepted into the program at the time of admission to Montclair should immediately notify the Physics and Astronomy Department Chair about their interest. Students accepted into this major are considered candidates for the program and are required to meet with their faculty advisor at least once a semester by appointment. Students should follow the modified General Education requirements for this program (see curriculum guide below). Note that admission into the ME program at Stevens is not guaranteed. By the end of Year 2, the advisor will determine if the candidate is on-track to complete the requisite courses at Montclair State. The student must also achieve the program GPA requirement (at least a 3.2 overall and 3.0 in-major) to qualify for the dual-degree program. If the student is on-track, they will be interviewed by a committee consisting of Montclair and Stevens faculty members. Upon that committee’s recommendation, the student will then formally apply for graduate admission to Stevens. Stevens will notify the student of acceptance during the spring term of Year 3. If accepted, the appropriate coursework at Stevens starts at the beginning of Year 4. During Years 4 and 5 the student is enrolled in the graduate program at Stevens and pays graduate tuition at that institution.

If the student is not accepted to the ME program or is not completing the requirements on schedule, he/she can complete Year 4 at Montclair State and graduate with a BS in physics. In their senior year, they can consider application to any master’s program in engineering. Other 5-year dual-degree options (such as an MBA, a MS in Applied Math, or a Master of Arts in Teaching) are alternatives that might be appealing to the student. (See our department for more information.)

Why Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering is a highly desirable degree that provides many well paying career opportunities. The broadest of the engineering disciplines, it focuses on the design and building of machines and mechanical systems to meet human needs. Physics forms the basis of mechanical engineering, and a BS Physics degree is excellent preparation for graduate study in several engineering disciplines. Learn more about the field of Ìý·É±ð²ú²õ¾±³Ù±ð.

Course Information

A complete list of courses and suggested sequence can be found in the curriculum guide for the program.  Note that this is a rigorous program, and most physics requirements need to be completed within 3 years. Students will be expected to take a full load of courses during their 6 semesters at Montclair State (typically 16 to 18 credits per semester). Students starting their math coursework in calculus 1 are best prepared to complete their Montclair requirements within three years. Those interested in the program should arrange a meeting with the program advisor to help find the most efficient course sequence.

Contact Information

For more information about this BS Physics/Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Program, contact the Department Chairperson in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

View the Curriculum

Average MCAT Scores by Selected Majors, 2012

Based on test takers who applied to Medical School. Applicants are allowed to take the MCAT exam more than once; these averages are computed using each applicant’s most recent MCAT exam scores.

Source: Compiled by the

Traditionally, students enter medical school with preparation as Biology majors. However, some students are quite interested in Physics but don’t see it as a pathway to a career in Medicine. In fact, Physics students have among the highest scores on the MCAT exam, as well as some of the highest acceptance rates to medical school. In large part, this is due to the overwhelming number of Biology majors who apply and don’t get in. This new Physics + Pre-Med concentration will help distinguish strong medical school applicants from the larger pool, by providing a very focused and rigorous preparation.

Besides the standard suite of physics courses common to all of our degree programs, students in the pre-medical concentration also take the following courses designed to prepare them for medical careers:

• PHYS 451 – Radiation & Medical Physics: students will learn how physics is applied in medical imaging, diagnostic, and treatment technologies, such as x-rays, MRIs, PETs, ultrasound, and radiation therapy.
• PHYS 452 – Medical Physics Seminar: this in-field seminar at Mountainside Hospital involves shadowing doctors and medical personnel to learn about physics applications in a hospital setting.
• CHEM 120/121 – General Chemistry 1 & 2
• CHEM 231, 231, 232 – Organic Chemistry 1 & 2, Experimental Organic Chemistry 1
• CHEM 370 – Biochemistry 1
• BIOL 112/113 – Principles of Biology 1 & 2
• PSYC 101 – Introduction to Psychology

In addition to Physics, the above courses are chosen to make sure students are prepared for the topics covered on the MCAT exam and also have the undergraduate coursework expected by most medical schools.

Besides the above, our students will complete the newly revised and strengthened “physics core” consisting of:

• PHYS 191/192 – University Physics 1 & 2
• PHYS 198 – Introductory Physics Seminar
• PHYS 210 – Intermediate Mechanics
• PHYS 220 – Oscillations, Waves, & Optics
• PHYS 230 – Intermediate Physics Lab
• PHYS 320 – Statistical & Thermal Physics
• PHYS 330 – Advanced Physics Lab
• PHYS 340 – Electricity & Magnetism
• PHYS 360 – Modern Physics

Students are further exposed to Mathematics and Computer Science via:

• MATH 122/221/222 – Calculus 1, 2, & 3
• CSIT 104 – Computational Concepts (a Python-based programming course)

Overall, this program of study provides an exceptionally broad training in many areas of science. Besides medical school, students will have the relevant background to pursue all areas open to other physics majors, including:

• Graduate study in physics, medical physics, chemistry, and selected engineering fields
• Science teaching (following alternate-route certification; students in this program exceed the state subject area requirements for certification in physics or physical science)
• Engineering and Manufacturing
• Computer Programming/Software Design
• Finance & Management Consulting
• Defense & Aerospace Industry
• Law & Government (physics majors have among the too!)
• Journalism/Science Writing
• Physics/Astronomy Research

Our department provides a friendly community with small classes, where students receive individual attention and mentoring. All of our faculty are committed to helping our students succeed. Physics is a difficult major, and good grades are needed to get into most medical schools. But if you have a passion for medicine and understanding how the world works at a fundamental level, this concentration may be a good option for you.