Physics and Engineering Department

 

Departmental Integration of Faith and Learning

• The department seeks first to be Christ-honoring in its attitudes and academic pursuits.
• Faith is integrated into learning wherever possible. The integration of physics and/or engineering with the Christian faith is emphasized through reading, discussions and writing assignments.
• Students and faculty in the department have taken several engineering-oriented short term missions trips in the past few years, with emphases on clean water acquisition, disaster relief and communications.

Programs and Facilities

• The Science Research Training Program (SRTP) provides a unique opportunity for physics majors and other science majors to be involved with scientific research while an undergraduate student. Contracts on which students work include: NASA, National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and National Institute of Health. The program averages about 15-20 students each summer from the Science Division.
• Facilities include: Technology Innovation Lab, Electronics Lab, Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio wave Ground Station, Machine Shop, Astronomical Observatory, Computer Aided Engineering Lab, Sustainable Energy facilities, Student Collaboration Areas
• Facilities under construction: Linear Accelerator
• Direct student access to faculty and equipment is readily available for all the facilities listed above.
• There are research opportunities in space science, particle physics, magnetospheric physics and electronic instrumentation. Taylor has one of the largest High-Altitude Balloon Programs with student participation.
• Engineering programs have a required engineering project every year and projects are integrated into many traditional courses. Some projects also have direct ties to industry.
• All Bachelor of Science degrees require either a practicum or a period of directed research. Typical summer internship opportunities include experiences at industry firms, national laboratories, major research universities, or the Taylor Science Research Training Program.

Aspects of Taylor's Physics and Engineering Curriculum

• The Computer Engineering and Engineering Physics programs are accredited by ABET.
• Small environment provides individual attention, with an emphasis on one-on-one contact between professors and students.
• Students experience a strong sense of community through collaboration with fellow students and faculty.
• Engineering programs develop Christian leaders with a broad knowledge of engineering, science and mathematics who: are imbued with the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills, have a strong work ethic,
• and have the necessary experience and attitude to practice innovation through their engineering.
• Taylor engineers enter a variety of engineering careers and disciplines upon graduation. Job titles include: Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Systems Engineer, Computer Engineer, Software Engineer, and Project Manager.
• Machine shop and other labs provide “hands-on” experience.
• Several students have authored papers with other students and/or professors in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings in recent years.
• Many students participate in regional and national undergraduate research conferences through research opportunities during both the summer and academic year.
• Opportunities are available for scientific innovation and entrepreneurship through the Center for Research and Innovation (CR&I) and the Science Research Training Program (SRTP).
• Physics and engineering programs provide rigorous preparation for graduate school.

Affiliation with Collegiate and/or Professional Organizations

• American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
• American Physical Society (APS), largest physics society with emphasis on research
• American Science Affiliation (ASA)
• American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)
• Indiana Space Grant Consortium (INSGC)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
• American Concrete Institute (ACI)
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
• American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
• The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE)
• IEEE
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Prospective Physics/Engineering Majors Are Encouraged To

• Take as many math, science and computer classes as possible.
• Take calculus classes and classes dealing with story problems that provide helpful preparation.

Indicators of Program Quality

• When past seniors have taken the national Major Field Test in Physics, their scores have placed the department average at approximately the 70th percentile among all schools using this assessment tool.
• Recently, eight of our engineering seniors took the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam; all eight passed.
• A large percentage of our graduates complete an advanced degree.
• In 2007, Taylor accounted for about 90% of all research expenditures among CCCU schools in Indiana; the Physics and Engineering department is associated with a large percentage of Taylor’s research funding.
• On a recent alumni survey in which alumni rated their development at Taylor in both technical and nontechnical skills, 90% of the responses were “good” or “exemplary.”

Recent Graduate Schools Attended by Taylor Physics and Engineering Graduates

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Illinois
• Purdue University
• Boston University
• John Hopkins
• University of Wisconsin at Madison
• University of Michigan
• Columbia University
• University of Montana
• University of Chicago
• Stanford University
• Georgia Tech

Careers and Companies of Engineering Majors Upon Graduation

A recent survey of Taylor engineering graduates indicated that they had an average starting salary of about $53,000. Taylor engineering graduates pursue a wide variety of careers at companies all across the United States. Some of the job titles of our graduates from the last several years are listed below along with the company who hired the student.

• Mechanical Design Engineer - IBM
• Design Engineer - Mechdyne
• Systems Engineer - Rockwell Collins
• Electrical Engineer - Motorola
• Test Engineer - Cummins Engine
• Manufacturing Engineer - Allison Transmission
• Software Engineer - RT Logic
• Mechanical Engineer - Caterpillar