Physics

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

The MNU physics program prepares students to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies in physics after graduation.

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Fast Facts

Meets on-site in Olathe

126 credit hours

We Prepare You

Interested in research publication? You’ll learn what it takes to develop professional publication standards and what the profession demands in published research.

Through mentorship and course work, faculty help students develop an understanding and appreciation of the strengths and limitation of scientific thought. You’ll also be exposed to multimedia in your courses and assignments so that you’re prepared to make professional scientific presentations.

Program Overview

We offer two types of physics degrees to choose from, giving you greater flexibility in preparing for a career in science.

Bachelor of Arts
Our Bachelor of Arts in Physics is designed for students who want a broad, interdisciplinary experience. The advantage of a BA is the opportunity to double major. A Physics/Mathematics dual major would an excellent choice for pre-engineering students.
Bachelor of Science
Our Bachelor of Science in Physics is designed for students who plan to attend graduate schools as a step in developing their physics career.
Students in this major will be provided a new iPad to increase their learning experience.

Visit our Catalog to view all courses

Create a sample schedule

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Advanced Degree Opportunity

The MNU & Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science Cooperative Program gives MNU students an accelerated pathway to obtain dual bachelor’s degrees from MNU and from Washington University. Students choose to spend 3 years at MNU and then transfer to Washington University for 2 years to earn a bachelor’s degree or for 3 years to get a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering. While studying at MNU, students also have time to pursue athletics, music, and other extracurricular activities. At Washington University, students have access to a top ranked engineering school with a wide variety of engineering specializations.

Cost & Value

A degree from MNU is a competitively priced, affordable option designed for students with a busy schedule. We’re here to help you find the best options to assist you as you work toward earning your degree.

Financial Aid Available

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program is an additional payment option. MNU School Code: 007032. Information and applications may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid Services Office at 913.971.3298 or finaid@mnu.edu.

MNU Scholarships

Your education is one of the most important investments you will ever make. At MNU nearly 100% of new students qualify for financial assistance that greatly reduces the actual cost of an MNU education.

Payment Options

Your degree is an investment in your future. We have a variety of different payment options available, so you can choose the option or combination of options, that best fits your situation. The total cost will be calculated based on your program and can be divided into multiple payments.

Application Process

Fall 2025 Start

Now accepting applications from seniors in high school or college transfers who are interested in starting at MNU in Fall of 2025.

APPLY FOR FALL 2025 NOW

Fall 2026 Start

Now accepting early action application from juniors in high school! Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 (weighted or unweighted) will be considered for provisional admission with priority consideration for our honors program and performing arts scholarships.

APPLY FOR FALL 2026 NOW

*Some exceptions made on case by case basis.

Prospective students will need to provide:

Complete an MNU application

Submit all transcripts

Complete a FAFSA. MNU code: 007032

Navigate Your Admissions Journey

Find the program that’s right for you. Talk to your MNU team to customize your journey.

Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & K-State Cooperative Program:

Exposure to graduate-level courses not offered at MNU
Opportunity for an accelerated pathway for a master’s degree from K-State Olathe
Access to additional professional development resources offered through K-State

To qualify for program entry at MNU students must:

Be a junior or senior at MidAmerica Nazarene University
Be majoring in biology or similar field
Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher
Have the recommendation of MNU faculty

To qualify for program entry at K-State students must:

Complete a minimum of 75 hours of undergraduate degree prior to applying for program
Complete a minimum of 90 hours of undergraduate degree prior to attending K-State classes
Provide a short essay detailing why the student wants to participate in the advanced sciences program
Complete the application process

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply. For more information visit https://olathe.k-state.edu

For additional information, contact Jill Speicher at jspeicher@mnu.edu

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences partnership program:

Students spend 3 years at MNU and 4 years at KCU
Requirement for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is waived
Students graduate with a degree from both institutions (B.S. from MNU and D.O. from KCU)
The Program is available at both Kansas City and Joplin campuses

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
Have a minimum ACT score of 28
Participate in community service
Have a dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine
Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at KCU students must:

Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
Complete a minimum of 99 hours of course work at MNU
Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25
Maintain a science coursework GPA of 3.5
Participate in KCU-Com’s weeklong Summer Learning Enhancement Program
Complete the following course with a grade of “C” or higher at MNU:
- Biological Sciences 12 hours
- Chemistry 13 hours
- Biochemistry 3 hours
- Physics 8 hours
- English Composition 6 hours

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.ed

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science cooperative program:

3+2 Option: Students spend 3 years at MNU and then transfer to WashU for 2 years to earn an undergraduate engineering degree from WashU and a bachelor’s degree from MNU, or
3+3 Option: Students spend 3 years at MNU and then transfer to WashU for 3 years to earn an undergraduate engineering degree from WashU, a bachelor’s degree from MNU, plus a master’s in engineering from WashU.
Combines the best of MNU with the strength of a top engineering school
Students participating in the 3+3 options receive a 50-60% tuition discount at WashU
GRE is not required for admission

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or better in science and mathematics courses
Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at WashU students must:

Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
Complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of transferable college credit
Complete the following courses:
- Chemistry: one semester of general chemistry with lab
- Computer Programming: One course or certified proficiency in a high-level language
- English Composition: One course or certified proficiency
- Humanities and Social Sciences: At least 15 hours (see WashU website for specific prerequisites)
- Mathematics: See WashU website for specific prerequisites
- Physics: One year calculus-based physics with lab
See WashU website for department-specific prerequisites

To learn more about program offerings at MNU and degree specific prerequisites, visit engineering.wustl.edu/dualdegree

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Craig Masters at cmasters@mnu.edu