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Physics
College of Arts & Sciences
PHYSICS is the science of energy, matter, motion and force.
about the program
The MNU physics program prepares students to work or pursue graduate studies in physics after graduation. This multidisciplinary degree focusing on broad physics fundamentals offers many opportunities for experiential learning
YOU WILL LEARN
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.
TWO DEGREE PATHS
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.
Physics majors will be provided a new iPad to increase their learning experience.
Advance 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.
Potential Careers
- Physics Teacher
- Astronomer
- Hydrogeologist
- Physicist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Research Analyst
Sample Schedule
Freshman Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL | 1503 | Comp I: Writing & Rhetoric | 3 |
| CHEM | 1104 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| MATH | 1405 | Calculus I | 5 |
| FRST | 1101 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
Freshman Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL | 1703 | Comp 11: Writing & Research | 3 |
| CHEM | 2105 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH | 1504 | Calculus II | 4 |
| BLIT | 1103 | Discovering the Old Testament | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Sophomore Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 2005 | General Physics (Calculus Based) | 5 |
| GNSC | 3103 | Computational Programming | 3 |
| BLIT | 1203 | Discovering the New Testament | 3 |
| PSYC | 1103 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Sophomore Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 2105 | General Physics II (Calculus Based) | 5 |
| PHYS | 3003 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| MATH | 3104 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH | 3404 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Junior Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 3313 | Classical Mechanics I | 3 |
| THEO | 2003 | Christian Beliefs | 3 |
| MATH | 3703 | Statistics | 3 |
| PHYS | 4603 | Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHYS | 4001 | Special Topics in Physics | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
Junior Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 3203 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS | 3323 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| FNAR | 1103 | Intro to Fine Arts | 3 |
| PHIL | 2103 | Intro to Philosophy | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Senior Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 3403 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS | 4001 | Special Topics in Physics | 1 |
| PHYS | 4102 | Physics Research | 2 |
| COMM | 1303 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL | 2003 | Intro to Literature | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Senior Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 3103 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS | 4403 | Quantum Mechanics II | 3 |
| SOCI | 1003 | General Sociology | 3 |
| GNSC | 3903 | Environmental Biology | 3 |
| HLEX | Exercise Class | 2 | |
| Elective | 3 |
Career Earnings
$78,200
average annual
$3,362,600
career average
$55k
Physics Teacher
$114k
Astronomer
$58k
Hydrogeologist
$86k
Physicist
$78k
Computer Systems Analyst
Related Majors
Wired Wednesday
Developed specifically for Traditional Undergraduate Students, MNU launched a new schedule in 2020. Semester-long courses are now held on Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday for 75 minutes each.
Business Administration continues to be a highly sought out degree by students and employers alike. It provides an excellent and thorough foundation in skills necessary for success in today’s business world. These degrees will also prepare students for graduate study in management, law or other business specialties.
Yorton Clark
Dean, School of Professional and Graduate Studies Chair, Professional and Graduate Studies in Business Professor
Physics helps me see so many parallels between God’s amazing creation and His own nature. I want my students to appreciate that Christianity and science cooperate. I am blessed to play a part in developing that appreciation.
ANDREW OVERHOLT
Associate Professor
success stories
As an MNU student, you’ll encounter not only academic growth and career preparation but you’ll also transform through spiritual growth and time spent in service and mission. We think that’s a
recipe for success in today’s global world.
