Why should I study applied physics with a computational emphasis?

Physics puts great stress on solving problems and applying mathematics and computer modeling to those solutions. The Applied Physics major with a Computational emphasis takes this a step further by allowing students to study even more math and computer methods than a typical physics major would. The Computational emphasis is particularly popular among students who are interested in both physics and math/computer science. Or, because of the overlap with courses in the Math/Computer Science Department, students can more easily earn a double-major in Physics and either Math or Computer Science.  

What can I do with this degree?

There are many and varied career opportunities. Examples:

• Product Engineer
• Testing Engineer
• Programmer
• Systems Engineer
• Statistical Analyst
• Investment Analyst
• Research Engineer

This broader version of the traditional Physics degree is designed to provide tools and experiences that are especially valuable for moving right into industry after graduation. However, the fundamentals and techniques learned also provide an excellent foundation for graduate work in a variety of fields. Examples include statistics, mathematics, computer science, or any engineering field. 

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

As an applied physics major, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with professors on real-world research projects in our state-of-the-art labs; publish papers in prestigious science journals; present your findings at local and national conferences; intern at a wide range of companies, government agencies, and universities (both national and international); and work as a research assistant during the summer months.

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MAY 6 2023

STEM Research Symposium

1:30 p.m.

Come support and celebrate our Bethel STEM students! Find out about their research and internships during their presentations at our STEM symposium.

The strong foundation I was given by Bethel's physics department provided me with all the tools I needed to succeed in my graduate school career in electrical and biomedical engineering.

Daniel Klemme '13
University of Minnesota

Since 2007, I've had the privilege of advising six Bethel students in our Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota. They are smart, hard-working, creative, and possess unusually broad and sophisticated skills in experimental physics and optics.

Sang-Hyun Oh
Professor and Sanford P. Bordeau Chair, University of Minnesota

The beauty of physics-based education is that it forces the student to learn how to think, to understand, and to solve problems. I don't believe a career exists in which the ability to solve problems effectively is not one of the most valuable assets a person can have. If this is true, then studying physics is one of the best ways to prepare for ANY career, technical or not.

Aaron Montello '06
Operations Manager, Prima Power Laserdyne

People get the idea that Christianity is anti-science, when that is not true at all. As a Christian physicist, my job is an opportunity to discover the amazing mind of God and how He so intricately orchestrated the universe to work-and also made it so that we could discover it for ourselves.

Laura King-Steen '08
Icing Cloud Calibration Engineer, HX5 Sierra at NASA's Glenn Research Center

Bethel served as a launchpad for me to eventually discover my purpose in Jesus' kingdom, which includes my career as a budding entrepreneur founding Laminera, as well as how I've evolved in my faith and integrated the two.

Lauren Otto '12
Founder and CEO of Laminera

Bethel’s Physics alumni now make up a strong core of our measurement and automation team. Beyond their obvious technical abilities, they demonstrate the character of Christ in their endeavors, which above all is valued. I wish to express my gratitude for your teaching and referrals of such excellent people.

David Dikken
Current job: CEO, MTL Corporation