The study of physics provides a crucial understanding of the world around us through the study of the fundamental laws governing matter and energy. The field of physics has been instrumental in the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment, impacting every aspect of our way of life. Studying physics fosters critical thinking, quantitative proficiency, and the ability to research and organize information, and infer new ideas.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A PHYSICS MAJOR?
| CAREER* | TYPICAL REQUIRED LEVEL OF EDUCATION |
|---|---|
| Research and Development-Science/Engineering/Manufacturing/Materials and Health Care companies | BS, BA, MS, or PhD |
| Teacher | BS or BA (state licensure required in public schools) |
| Engineering: Automotive, Solar, Robotics, Test, Design, Application, Laser, Optics, Photonics | BS orBA |
| Research Assistants, Graduate Student | BS or BA |
| Lab Technician, Nuclear Technician, Test Technician | BS or BA |
| Data Analysts, IT Consultant, System Analyst, Quantitative Analyst | BS or MS (some positions require PhD) |
| Meteorologist, Environmental Scientist | MS |
| Astrophysicist, Biophysicist, Nuclear Physicist, Geophysicist etc. | MS or PhD |
| Medical Physicist, Radiation Health Officer | MS or PhD (board certification might be required) |
| College Professor/ Research and Academia in all areas of physics | PhD in Physics/Astronomy/related field |
*the list is not meant to be exhaustive.
WHAT SKILLS ARE DEVELOPED AS A PHYSICS MAJOR?
- Extensive analytical capabilities to solve quantitative problems involving complex data sets.
- Ability to conduct experiments, analyze data and develop theories.
- Broad knowledge of natural laws and technical expertise relevant to all other sciences: biology, chemistry, geology, environmental science and all branches of engineering.
- Proficiency in using computer technology and mathematical modeling.
- Ability to prepare technical reports.
RESOURCES
- CSU Society of Physics Students Chapter: Society of Physics Students (SPS)
- APS Career Guide: https://reader.exacteditions.com/issues/84341/spread/1
- Physics Today Jobs: http://physicstoday.org/jobs
- American Institute of Physics (AIP): https://www.aip.org/
- American Physical Society: https://www.aps.org/
- CSU Catalog Information: https://catalog.csuohio.edu/
