Department of Physics and Engineering

Solve complex problems and explore new discoveries as you learn alongside seasoned faculty in a supportive academic community.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of Physics and Engineering, you’ll learn in a supportive academic community with a strong national reputation and a tradition of excellence.

Bethel has one of the largest undergraduate physics and engineering programs in the nation. You’ll benefit from flexible curriculum, cutting-edge research opportunities, and supportive professors committed to your success. With open-ended projects that challenge you to discover new solutions, you'll gain hands-on skills and grow in a welcoming community that integrates faith and science.

Majors, minors, and programs

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Flexible degree programs


If you desire a strong liberal arts and science background, you can pursue engineering through one of Bethel's excellent standalone programs or the engineering dual-degree program. Curriculum is designed so that all majors (physics, applied physics, and engineering) start with the same core technical courses, helping you to experience each field and decide which suits you best.

Research


You’ll find numerous opportunities to conduct research collaboratively with professors, and you’ll have chances to publish in top scientific journals and present your findings at local or national conferences. Students are also encouraged to pursue summer research projects, either at Bethel as a research assistant or at sites across the country. 

Faith integration


You’ll study the core concepts of physics and engineering from a Christian perspective, preparing you to serve with purpose and integrity. Your professors will model how to be faithful Christians and skilled engineers, physicists, and scientists.

Mentoring and networking


You’ll closely collaborate alongside experienced and seasoned faculty who will get to know you, your goals, and will invest in your success. Many of our alumni also come back to campus to connect with current students and offer advice—and most importantly, they actively seek to hire our graduates.

Prepared for graduate school


Like many of our alumni, you’ll be prepared to enter graduate or medical school after earning your degree. Almost all of our alumni received full financial support for their graduate work.

Top quality facilities and labs


Learn in state-of-the-art research laboratories that are well-equipped with the latest modern equipment.

Student community


Join our local chapter of the Society of Physics Students and the Sigma Pi Sigma honorary society, both of which provide a strong, supportive community of mentors and peers.

Internships and experience


Intern at a wide range of companies, government agencies, and universities—including prestigious organizations such as CERN (Switzerland), MIT, Medtronic, and more. After your first year, you’ll also have the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in physics and engineering will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for further education.

Skills


You’ll learn:

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Innovative design and analysis
  • Effective communication and collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Project management

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work in fields like:

  • Astronomy
  • Computer programming
  • Crime or forensics
  • Engineering (Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Geological, Mechanical)
  • Forestry
  • Physics education
  • Mathematics or statistics
  • Medicine
  • Nuclear science
  • Physicist
  • Science research
  • Structural design

Graduate school


You’ll be prepared pursue further education in:

  • Physics
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Industrial engineering
  • Civil or structural engineering
  • Statistics
  • Chemistry
  • Math
  • Cognitive science
  • Nanotechnology

Many of our physics and engineering graduates been accepted into some of the finest graduate programs in the country.

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Sam Carlson

Degree: Applied Physics Major

For Sam Carlson, studying applied physics at Bethel was about more than preparing for a career. As he learned from—and conducted research alongside—professors who study physics to better know the Lord, Sam came to see physics as being about more than a career—it’s about seeing God in physics and his daily life.

Recent News

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We believe everyone has a story to tell. Envision how Bethel could become part of yours.

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Upcoming Events

OCT 15 2024

STEM Employer Showcase 2024

6 p.m. Boardroom

A great chance for STEM students to network with employers in the STEM field!

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll experience close mentorship from supportive and knowledgeable professors. You can always go to them for questions and resources.

Department of Physics & Engineering


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 244

Contact

Brian Beecken

Brian Beecken

Brian Beecken

Professor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

Alyssa Hamre Kontak

Alyssa Hamre Kontak

Assistant Professor of Physics

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Julie Hogan

Julie Hogan

Associate Professor of Physics

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Nathan Lindquist

Nathan Lindquist

Professor of Physics

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Wayne Raman-Nair

Professor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

Keith Stein

Keith Stein

Professor of Physics

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Shensheng Tang

Shensheng Tang

Professor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

Nathan Lemke

Nathan Lemke

Adjunct Associate Professor of Physics and Engineering

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Jason Stroup

Adjunct Instructor of Physics and Engineering

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Thomas Greenlee

Thomas Greenlee

Professor of Physics Emeritus

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Richard Peterson

Richard Peterson

University Professor of Physics Emeritus

Bio >

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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