Applied Physics: Mechanics
Applied physics, with its various emphases, is an exciting and innovative new major at Bethel. Our goal is to develop graduates who are equipped for high-technology employment, interdisciplinary research, and graduate education in applied science and engineering.
Why should I study applied physics with a mechanical emphasis?
Physics provides the foundation for all of the 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. A B.S. in Applied Physics with a Mechanics emphasis is a powerful combination of principles from physics with the design expeirence of mechanical engineering.
What can I do with this degree?
This broader version of the traditional physics degree is designed to provide the tools and experiences that are especially valuable for moving right into industry after graduation. 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 are looking for broader employees who can solve problems from different directions.
Furthermore, the fundamentals and techniques learned also provide an excellent foundation for graduate work in mechanical, aerospace, and civil 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.
As an example, recently we had two graduates go to study civil engineering with a structural emphasis. One student went to the University of Minnesota, and a second student went to MIT. Both students ended up working for Uni-Systems Engineering in Minneapolis. One of their early projects was the design of the retractable scoreboard in the Dallas Cowboys stadium. They have also designed retractable roof stadiums and the “world’s best” amusement park ride for Disney World.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
As a 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; and work as a research assistant during the summer months.
In a typical year, we have about eight students doing national, competitive summer internships at places like NASA Langley, Osaka University in Japan, the National Solar Observatory, NIST, and Mayo Clinic. We have at least a half-dozen students each year enter graduate programs at places like Stanford (Aeronautics), Princeton (Neuroscience), U of Minnesota (Mechanical Engineering), etc.
$80,201
average salary for recent engineering alumni
- U.S. Census BureauTop 15
undergrad physics program nationally, by size
- American Institute of PhysicsRecent News
Travis Sinclair ’22 Looks to Break New Ground for Bethel in the NFL
April 11, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.
Upcoming Events
OCT 3 2023
Physics & Engineering Department Seminar
3:30 p.m. Barnes Academic Center - Room 264
Come hear about what’s going on in the Bethel University Physics & Engineering department!
OCT 10 2023
6 p.m. Boardroom
Come to learn about STEM job and internship opportunities!
OCT 14 2023
10:30 a.m.
Come join us to watch the partial solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14; we'll have telescopes with solar filters and eclipse glasses available for safe solar viewing.
OCT 17 2023
Physics & Engineering Department Seminar
3:30 p.m. Barnes Academic Center - Room 264
Come hear about what’s going on in the Bethel University Physics & Engineering department!
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 OhProfessor and Sanford P. Bordeau Chair, University of Minnesota
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 '12Founder 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 DikkenCurrent job: CEO, MTL Corporation
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 '08Icing Cloud Calibration Engineer, HX5 Sierra at NASA's Glenn Research Center
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 '06Operations Manager, Prima Power Laserdyne
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 '13University of Minnesota
