Physics Department
Engineering Programs
Dual-Degree Programs - The ideal broad preparation for a career in engineering. Graduates receive both the B.A. degree from Bethel along with a degree in civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical, or aeronautical engineering. Formal relationships exist with Minnesota's Institute of Technology (U of M), Washington University, and Case-Western Reserve University and are often arranged with other schools.
Graduate Engineering - Many students who wish to pursue a career in engineering decide to stay four years at Bethel and complete an Applied Physics major or the Physics major with the B.S. degree. This degree is then followed by what is typically a two-year Engineering program at a major University culminating in a Masters degree in Engineering. Students who make this choice virtually always receive full financial aid in the form of assistantships and fellowships. Our students are so highly sought after that the Institute of Technology (U of MN) has formally established a "4-2" program with Bethel in an effort to attract as many of our graduates as possible. The graduate engineering prepares one for a career in engineering research and is particularly appealing to the strongest students.
Typical Dual-Degree Engineering Schedule
| Year | Fall | Credits | Interim | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Freshman |
General Physics I, Calculus I, Freshman Seminar College Writing, Creativity in the Fine Arts* |
4 3 1 3 4 |
Introduction to the Bible |
3 |
General Physics II, Calculus II, Christianity & Western Culture*, Physical Wellness for Life, Self-Awareness and Group Interaction (B) course |
4 4 4 1 3 |
| Sophomore |
General Chemistry I, Multivariable Calculus, ^Electronics, Theology (C) course |
4 3 4 3 |
Cultural Diversity (E) or MWL** course |
3 |
Computer Science I, Differential Equations, Modern Physics, Modern Age (F) Course |
4 3 4 4 |
| Junior |
Math Methods in Physics and Engineeringa,
Numerical Methods, Interpreting Biblical Themes (J) course, Cultural Diversity (E) or MWL** or Systems (G), Leisure and Lifetime Sports (Q) course |
4 3 3 3 1 |
Science, Technology, and Society (K) course |
3 |
General Chemistry II, Contemporary Christian Issues (P) course, Systems (G) course, Elective |
4 3 3 3 |
*Courses in bold may be replaced by GES145 and 146 Western Humanity in Christian Perspective I - II. These two courses must be taken sequentially - 145 (fall, freshman), 146 (spring, freshman).
**MWL = Modern World Language (Check the Catalog for details of this option)
* The letter in parenthesis following a course category indicates the designation in the course numbers
* This program assumes a student will use Calculus and General Physics I to meet the general education Mathematics and Laboratory Science requirements.
^ Elective choices depend on area of engineering interest and your other liberal arts interests. At least 7 credits must be chosen from Electronics, Modern Physics, Mathematical Methods in Physics & Engineering, Mechanics, Probability & Statistics, Topics in Applied Physics. Chemical engineers must choose Organic Chemistry I and II.
a) Computer Methods in Physics and Engineering (offered spring even # years), may be substituted for Numerical Methods.
Most financial aid packages stipulate 12 credits/semester; Minnesota state grants are reduced when credit load falls below 15 credits/semester. (Interim credits may be split between fall and spring for grant purposes only.)
See a typical Physics B.S. Major
See a typical Physics B.A. Major
See a typical Applied Physics B.S. Major