ALL PROGRAMS

B.S. Physics Degree

ON-CAMPUS
B.S. Physics Degree
ALL PROGRAMS

B.S. Physics Degree

ON-CAMPUS
B.S. Physics Degree
CAS.PHY.BS

Bachelor's in Physics

If you want to prepare for a successful career in physics, engineering, education, business, medical technologies, and other professional fields consider the benefits of the BS in Physics at Indiana Wesleyan University. With this program, you can develop experimental and theoretical skills in classical and modern physics, and put your learning into practice in real internship settings. At our Christian university, you can learn how to integrate biblical principles with this physics degree program.

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Physics at IWU?

There are several benefits to pursuing your BS in Physics at IWU. This accredited degree program is taught by faculty currently conducting exciting, cutting-edge research projects. We also provide comprehensive student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you succeed in your education. Students learn from expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth.

 

What Will I Learn in this BS in Physics Program?

The courses in this physics major are designed to help students understand and explain the visible world in terms of the invisible realities. The student experience combines traditional classroom learning with lab work and participating in faculty research projects. Course topics cover astrophysics, chemistry, differential equations, quantum mechanics, and more. Upon completion, students should possess the theoretical, experimental, and computational skills to start physics-related careers or pursue graduate studies.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

Tuition & Fees

IWU surpasses the national averages in a number of important educational benchmarks, including, but not limited to: higher than average graduation and career outcome rates. Plus, compared to the national average, IWU students receive their education with lower than average student debt!

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Indiana Wesleyan University

What You'll Study

Coursework for this BS in physics program covers how to:

  • Conceptualize the evolution of modern physics ideas and describe the struggles between classical ideas of Newtonian mechanics versus relativistic mechanics
  • Engage in original research under the direction of a faculty member
  • Explore the use, detection, and disposal of radioisotopes in medicine and biological research
  • Apply biblical principles to your professional decision-making

Indiana Wesleyan University

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • Physicist
  • Biochemist Technician
  • Science Teacher
  • Nuclear Monitoring Technician
  • Astronomer


Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program Requirements

A total of 58 credit hours of physics, mathematics, and chemistry are required. A minimum of 38 credit hours must be in physics. In addition, 20 credit hours are required in selected mathematics and chemistry courses.

Accreditation

A total of 58 credit hours of physics, mathematics, and chemistry are required. A minimum of 38 credit hours must be in physics. In addition, 20 credit hours are required in selected mathematics and chemistry courses.

Program FAQs

Students develop critical skills necessary to work with mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal systems.
It includes learning to use tools like oscilloscopes, spectrometers, vacuum systems, lasers, and breadboards. Students also learn to perform statistical analysis, characterize measurement uncertainties (error analysis), and distinguish between random errors and systematic biases.
Students gain hands on experience in the classroom and laboratory as well as opportunity to pursue research through the program with distinguished faculty experts.
Students learn Calculus and vector analysis, differential equations, linear algebra, statistical analysis and probability.
Graduate studies to become research physicists or academics.

Dr. Warren Rogers: Endowed Chair of Physics, conducts research in nuclear physics, investigating and detecting neutrons arising from the decay of exotic nuclei.

Dr. Dan Jones: Professor of Biology, conducts research on dental osteonecrosis treatments.

Dr. Stephen Leonard: Associate Professor of Chemistry, conducts research on selective and potent inhibitors of the oncogenic tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2.

You’ll start exploring your options right away. In your first year, SCI 110 and PMD 110 introduce you to careers in medicine and STEM, including paths to medical, dental, physician assistant, and graduate school. Later, PMD 310 and BIO 490/CHE 490 help you narrow your career path and build professional skills like writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and using LinkedIn.

You’ll also have plenty of chances to gain hands-on experience. You can apply for an Hodson Research Insitute fellowship and work alongside IWU STEM faculty, or complete a horticulture internship at IWU Wildcat Farm. Throughout the year, we also share local and national research and internship opportunities with you.

Along the way, your faculty advisors and mentors will help you figure out your next step. They’ll offer one-on-one guidance and expert advice, and they can write letters of recommendation when you apply for jobs or graduate school.

You'll be ready for careers in medicine, research, and science education. Graduates pursue paths like these. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical research: Develop new drugs, gene therapies, and vaccines as a process development scientist, pharmacologist, or clinical trial coordinator. Genetics and bioinformatics: Analyze genomic data to understand disease or evolutionary history. Healthcare and medicine: Become a physician, or work in diagnostic medical imaging, clinical laboratory science, or public health administration. Field research: Study plants, animals, and microbes. Conservation and policy: Work with nonprofits or government agencies to manage ecosystems, shape land-use policy, and address climate change. Sustainability consulting: Help companies reduce their carbon footprint, manage waste, and meet environmental regulations.

Foundational courses such as BIO 125, CHE 125 and PHY 111.

Recent graduates are moving on to medical and graduate school. Lucas Thomas and Alec Foster are in medical school, and Olivia Lucas is in graduate school.

Entering the field as a STEM major, graduates can pursue research labs, working for zoos, botanical gardens, the government. Or graduates can pursue advanced degrees in graduate or medicine to become doctors or research scientists.

You'll join a close community of students, faculty, and staff, with plenty of ways to build real experience and find mentors along the way. You can assist with faculty research, serve as a teaching assistant or lab prep assistant, or complete a horticulture internship.

This varies widely but for students wanting to pursue healthcare and medicine 1-3000 hours of patient contact hours is often required for graduate/medical schools.

You'll have support every step of the way, including Student Thriving, Life Calling, IT support, career services, and tutoring.

Throughout your time at IWU, you'll work closely with your academic advisor and faculty and build meaningful mentoring relationships.

Yes. You can apply for an internship at IWU Wildcat Farm, supervised by Dr. Jennifer Noseworthy and Professor Jacob Buck. You can also pursue internships off campus, both locally and across the country.

Often, yes, depending on the courses you've taken. Just fill out a course transfer evaluation form, and the division chair will review it.

None are required but many conduct research and participate in IWU HRI Colloquium and Celebration of Scholarship presenting oral and poster presentations.

At IWU, you'll learn in state-of-the-art STEM facilities, gain experience on a campus farm, and take part in robust research opportunities. You'll graduate exceptionally prepared for medical and graduate school.

You'll thrive here if you love science, medicine, the outdoors, and critical thinking.

Faith is part of everything you'll do, from your coursework and research to serving in the community and going on mission trips.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way ahead and pursue new career opportunities in the field of physics with this BS in Physics degree program at IWU!

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Go Further in STEM

Become a STEM Scholar

Take your STEM education beyond the classroom. IWU's STEM Scholar Program connects students with faculty mentors, hands-on research opportunities, and a community of curious, driven learners. Grow as a scientist, develop leadership skills, and put your faith into action through meaningful service experiences.

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Students in STEM Lab