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Why should I study applied physics with an electronics emphasis?

Physics provides the foundation for all engineering fields because, broadly speaking, engineering is about taking what we know about the physical universe and applying it to help people in their everyday lives. The more one knows about physics, the greater the opportunity to find new and different approaches to solutions—before the design details are turned over to traditional engineers. The Applied Physics major with an Electronics emphasis is designed to fill the gap between the traditional physicist and the traditional electrical engineer. 

What can I do with this degree?

Adding an Electronics emphasis to a Physics major provides excellent preparation for graduate work in electrical or computer engineering. Graduate engineering is about finding new and/or better approaches to solving problems, and that is precisely what this degree prepares students to do.

Many problems that companies desire to solve do not easily fall into specific engineering categories. Knowing something about engineering design while simultaneously having the broad base of applied physics will position graduates perfectly for filling such needs. In particular, small start-up companies look for broader employees who can solve problems from different directions.

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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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

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

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

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

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