Math, Engineering & Computer Science Department

The desire to learn to develop your quantitative reasoning and critical thinking to gain a deeper understanding of the physical world, are hallmarks of a student suited for a math or engineering degree from Bethel University in Indiana.

Our Campus & Unique Program Environment

Our campus location near manufacturing business in cities like Elkhart and Mishawaka, and technology start-ups in South Bend, make Bethel an optimal choice for not only your education, but your future home.

In our program, you’ll prepare for a future in many exciting careers. Students might work in aeronautics, automotive, or electronics and computer fields. A degree in math can lead to a job in applied math, public policy or teaching, to name just a few opportunities. The local area, including South Bend and Elkhart, offers many job opportunities at school corporations, insurance companies and software firms.

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Academic Catalog

A unique aspect of Bethel’s math and engineering degree program is that you can earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics/physics from Bethel and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from either Trine University or the University of Notre Dame (both located in Indiana). Local engineering firms for possible internship or employment options in Mishawaka and South Bend, include large manufacturers such as AM General and Honeywell Aerospace.

No matter your learning style, you will thrive in Bethel’s program.  All our programs are geared toward:

• The tech savvy student who enjoys problem solving by using tools to construct innovative solutions.
   
• The student who loves using the logic of mathematics and probability to find answers and predict results.
   
• The hands-on learner who wants to learn how to code a webpage, write computer games or rebuild an engine.
   

With established programs in Mathematics and Engineering, and new programs in Computer Science and Cybersecurity, Bethel University is committed to helping you develop the tools to create solutions in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Job Outlook

There are literally thousands of jobs waiting for individuals with training in technical fields and demand for problem-solvers is growing every year. You’ll find our programs combine the challenging courses and outstanding faculty you might encounter at a large research university with small class sizes, individual attention and Christ-centered relationships. 

Some examples of what students in our program can anticipate for employment outlook for 2018-2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Biochemists and biophysicist jobs are growing at 6% (as fast as average).
   
• Chemists and materials scientists, job growth is 4% (average).
   
• Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 30% in that 10-year period, much faster than the average for all occupations. Businesses will need these workers to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data.
   
• Architecture and engineering occupations is projected to grow 4 percent (about as fast as the average for all occupations). About 113,300 new jobs are projected to be added. Most of the projected job growth in this group is in the engineer occupations, as their services will be in demand in various areas such as rebuilding of infrastructure, renewable energy, oil and gas extraction, and robotics.
   

Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics site for other information.
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm

Why should you pursue a STEM related degree from a liberal arts university?  

"The ideal engineer is a composite ... He is not a scientist, he is not a mathematician, he is not a sociologist or a writer; but he may use the knowledge and techniques of any or all of these disciplines in solving engineering problems." —N. W. Dougherty (1955)

Whatever kind of problem solver you are, the most powerful problem-solving tool is flexibility of thought.  At Bethel, we start with a faith-based liberal arts program, and add to that  excellently rigorous training in mathematics, engineering and computer science giving you the tools you need and the flexibility to apply them in new ways. 

Check out this article from MIT discussing the importance of liberal arts in STEM education:

Committed to You: A Message From the Faculty

Our department is committed to providing students with the strong theoretical background necessary for continued study (toward a master’s or Ph.D.) along with the hands-on practical experience needed to prepare students for the workplace.  Each of our majors begins with an “Intro to [Math/Computer Science/Engineering]” course designed to help you explore your chosen field.

All of the careers and areas of study available to you will help in your own personal mission to contribute to the world and make an impact for Christ. We believe God is calling you to do great things, and are excited to be a part of helping you toward those goals. 

Our faculty have varied backgrounds that include over 20 years of industry and engineering experience, plus experience in computer science, cybersecurity, K-12 teaching, statistical consulting and research. Industry partners help us keep content relevant to the ever-changing workplace. We offer computer labs, as well as  egineering and physics labs, and training in robotics, machine learning, Python, Java, MATLAB, Mathematica, and R – just to name a few.   

Have questions? Come visit our campus or meet one of our faculty members for lunch. We look forward to meeting you!