☰ In This Section

Major/Minor Image

Bethel offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in physics. The physics major is a good starting place for many different careers in industry, or it can be an excellent springboard for graduate work. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) requires fewer courses than the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) so that you can develop a more individualized approach to your education. This flexibility allows students to double major with electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, mathematics, computer science, other engineering fields (via the dual-degree program), or the humanities (e.g., music or philosophy), or to earn a variety of minors.

Loading Gallery...

Why should I study physics?

Physics is the foundation for understanding the world around us and the laws that govern the universe. It’s the most fundamental science and the basis of many other fields. For this reason, physics leads to world-changing discoveries in technology, medicine, and energy, to name just a few applications.

Because physics is so fundamental to understanding science and the world, it provides many opportunities for careers, graduate study, and theoretical and applied work.

What can I do with this degree?

Some 4-year graduates have gone directly to work for companies such as:

  • 3M
  • Medtronic
  • Accenture
  • United Technologies Inc.
  • Honeywell
  • Logic Product Development
  • Measurement Technology Lab
  • Cray, Dynamark, and Aerospace Corp.

Many graduates go on to earn an advanced degree in engineering, but some decide to pursue graduate work in other fields such as medicine, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and even forestry.

Some grads continue in physics, receiving Ph.D.s from universities such as Yale, Princeton, MIT, Illinois, and Minnesota. Many have later obtained notable post-doctoral positions with JILA (Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics), NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), Caltech, IBM, Wisconsin–Madison, Brookhaven National Lab, and an NSF International Research Fellowship.

Some of our alumni have also gone on to become physics professors at schools like the University of Toronto, the University of Michigan, and the University of Arizona.

What skills will I develop?

  • Real-world research skills
  • Quantitative and analytic skills to understand data and solve problems
  • Mathematical and computational modeling
  • Experiment design and interpretation
  • Critical and creative thinking

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?

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.

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

See plans

$1.5M

in national research grants received since 2011

$84,983

average salary for physics alumni 10 years after graduation

- U.S. Census Bureau

Upcoming Events

SEPT 26 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 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

STEM Employer Showcase 2023

6 p.m. Boardroom

Come to learn about STEM job and internship opportunities!

OCT 14 2023

Solar Eclipse Viewing Event

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.