Why should I study electrical engineering?

If you look in the dictionary, you'll find that engineers apply mathematics, science, economics, and practical knowledge to invent, innovate, design, build, maintain, or improve systems, components, processes, tools, machines or organizations. That’s a lot of words to say that engineers do things which result in change, and electrical engineers specifically work on things which use electricity, contain electronics, or rely on electromagnetism. So anything that has an electric plug, uses batteries, contains a motor, or has an embedded microprocessor was designed by a team with at least one electrical engineer. So, if you are the type of student who likes to tinker with things, designs new devices, has an entrepreneurial idea for a future product, or just likes to know how things work, this degree is for you!

What can I do with this degree?

Potential career opportunities include jobs with these descriptors:

• Controls/Embedded Controls Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Digital Design Engineer
• Electronics Design Engineer
• Development Engineer
• Validation Engineer
• Testing Engineer
• Instrumentation Engineer

Electrical engineers are found in nearly all industry sectors of our economy. Some of the more prominent fields include medical devices, for which the Twin Cities is an epicenter; power generation; and automotive design. Electrical engineers work in design, research and development, sales, and manufacturing departments. As an electrical engineer, you could work on self-driving cars, wearable electronics, or high-speed train systems. The possibilities are limitless!

Ministry applications could include installing solar-powered water pumping systems or electrical distribution systems, updating aviation communication capabilities, doing facilities planning or maintenance activities. With more specialized education, this degree could also lead to careers as a science and technology journalist, patent attorney, or medical doctor

What skills will I develop?

Engineering classes will develop problem-solving, design, teamwork, trouble-shooting, and debugging skills. The physics-based approach we use will provide a broader, scientifically-based approach to problem-solving in engineering and the additional lab skills that come with it. Additionally, Bethel's liberal arts classes will develop communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. The Bethel community experience will develop you into a whole and holy person. As a graduating engineer, you will have the skills and experiences necessary to stand head and shoulders above graduates from other universities.

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

In the physics and engineering department, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with professors from multiple disciplines on real-world design and research projects; publish papers in prestigious 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.

Bethel alumni are also involved in undergraduate classes and regular visitors to campus, so you'll graduate with a built-in network of successful local engineers who model Christ-centered excellence in the field, inspire you, and help equip you for success.

Recent News

Travis Sinclair ’22 Looks to Break New Ground for Bethel in the NFL

April 11, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events

See yourself at Bethel—join us for one of our in-person or virtual events!

More Events

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

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

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