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Kansas Wesleyan University

Physics

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Department of Physics, Computational Sciences and Sustainability

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Learn the fundamental laws of physics, develop your passion for knowledge and innovation, and discover how to apply what you are learning. Physics is the study of how the world works. It is the science that seeks to understand the laws of nature, and the relationship between energy and matter. Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies and black holes to the smallest subatomic particles. It is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology and astronomy, and can be applied to biology or medical science.

Why study Physics at KWU?

Physics majors at KWU have the opportunity to study in small classes, allowing them to be known by the faculty members and receive individualized instruction and mentoring for their educational path and career choices. Students also have the opportunity to get involved in the Math and Physics Club, where they can acquire leadership skills and develop their networking abilities. You also have the added benefit of pursuing an engineering degree through KWU’s dual-degree partnership with Washington University.

This program is offered:

  • LOGO
    On Campus

Course Requirements and Descriptions

All requirements and descriptions for KWU’s Physics program can be found in the most recent version of the course catalog.

View Course Catalog

About the Physics Program

What can you do with a Physics Degree?

Experience in physics teaches students how to analyze situations logically and with a problem-solving approach. Basic physics can be applied to most other fields of science.

Students with a physics degree have gone on to pursue graduate studies in:

  • Physics
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Education

Applied Physics Concentration

The Applied Physics concentration is intended for students to develop mastery in physics while gaining practical expertise in a complementary field such as biology, chemistry, environmental studies, or computer studies. The concentration is designed to be flexible and allows for diverse career paths in areas such as biophysics, medical physics, material physics, surface physics, environmental physics, and computational physics. Electives for this concentration should be selected in consultation with a physics advisor.

Engineering Physics Concentration

Engineering Physics is the use of physics concepts and skills to solve engineering problems. Graduates in this field pursue careers in a variety of industrial or business settings, including artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, computer vision, electronics, financial engineering, aerospace technology, nanotechnology, neural engineering and quantum information. This concentration is designed to have the physics courses completed at KWU and the engineering courses completed at a Dual Degree Engineering partner institution.

Traditional Physics Concentration

The Traditional Physics concentration is a comprehensive study of physics. It is ideal for students who want an in-depth understanding of the field of physics and students who are planning to attend physics graduate programs.

Engineering Dual Degree

The Engineering Dual Degree Program is an attractive alternative to traditional engineering curricula, offering students the opportunity to earn a liberal arts degree from Kansas Wesleyan University and an engineering degree from the School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL).

This program prepares students to become liberally educated engineers who can think critically, solve complex problems and demonstrate strong communication skills, while having the opportunity to become a licensed engineer.

After their junior or senior year at KWU, students have the option to participate in a 3/2 or 4/2 program in which they enter WUSTL to earn a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or to participate in a 3/3 or 4/3 program in which they earn a master’s degree in Engineering.
Students are required to maintain a 3.25 GPA, both in the sciences and overall, and to complete the required courses.

Programs of study include:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • System Science & Engineering

The KWU liaison for this Washington University dual degree program is Dr. Kristin L. Kraemer, Associate Professor of Physics. Students interested in knowing more about this program may contact Dr. Kraemer directly at [email protected] or by calling (785) 833-4466.

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Salina, KS 67401

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