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, Introduction to the Liberal Arts College Writing, Introduction to the Creative Arts, |
4 4 1 3 4 |
Introduction to the Bible, |
3 |
General Physics II, Calculus II, Christianity & Western Culture, Physical Wellness for Life, Nature of Persons (N) course, |
4 4 4 1 3 |
| Sophomore |
General Chemistry I, Multivariable Calculus, ^Electronics, Second Language (S) course*, |
4 3 4 4 |
Christian Theology, |
3 |
Scientific Computing, Differential Equations, ^Modern Physics, Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course, |
3 3 4 3 |
| Junior |
^Math Methods in Physics and Engineering,
Elective |
4 3 3 1 3 |
Science, Technology, and Society (K) course |
3 |
Computer Methods in Physics and Engineeringa Contemporary Christian Issues (P) course, Comparative Systems (G) course, Elective (Science course recommended) |
4 3 3 4 |
Typical Dual-Degree Engineering Schedule (Humanities Option)
| Year | Fall | Credits | Interim | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Freshman |
General Physics I, Calculus I, Introduction to the Liberal Arts Western Humanity in Christian Perspective I, College Writing, |
4 4 1 4 3 |
Introduction to the Bible, |
3 |
General Physics II, Calculus II, Western Humanity in Christian Perspective II, Second Language (S) course* |
4 4 4 4 |
| Sophomore |
General Chemistry I, Multivariable Calculus, ^Electronics, Christian Theology, |
4 3 4 3 |
Nature of Persons (N) course, |
3 |
Scientific Computing, Physical Well-being (Y) course |
3 3 4 3 1 |
| Junior |
^Math Methods in Physics and Engineering,
Elective |
4 3 3 1 3 |
Science, Technology, and Society (K) course |
3 |
Computer Methods in Physics and Engineeringa Contemporary Christian Issues (P) course, Comparative Systems (G) course, Elective (Science course recommended) |
4 3 3 4 |
*Students must complete through the second semester of a first year language course or equivalent. (Check the Catalog for details of this option.)
^ 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.
- 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.
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