Physics and Engineering Programs

Physics Major

Bethel offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in physics. The B.S. is an intensive program designed to prepare the student for graduate school or research employment. The B.A. requires fewer courses so that the student may develop a more individualized approach to their education. This flexibility often results in a double major with mathematics, computer science, engineering (via the dual-degree program), or the humanities (e.g., music or philosophy) or the opportunity for a variety of minors.

The physics major is a good starting place for a large number of different careers in industry, or it can be an excellent springboard for graduate work. Some four-year graduates have gone directly to work for companies like 3M, Medtronic, Accenture, United Technologies Inc., Honeywell, St. Paul Companies, Logic Product Development, Amoco, Cray Research, Dynamark, and Aerospace Corp. Besides all the students who have gone on to graduate school in engineering, we have had some go on in medicine, computer science, and even forestry. Some decide to continue in physics, receiving Ph.D.s from universities such as Princeton, MIT, and Minnesota. Many have later obtained prestigious post-doctoral positions with JILA (Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics), NIST, Caltech, IBM, Haverford College, and an NSF International Research Fellowship at the University of Wales. Some of our alumni have gone on to become physics professors at schools like the University of Toronto and Calvin College.