Physics students are sought after because of their broad set of skills and deep knowledge. We like to think of physics as a problem solving “multitool”.
Physics graduates are sought by government and industry employers for jobs in: telecommunications, electronics, computing, quality control testing, banking, insurance, teaching, management, technical sales, and the armed forces. Physics graduates are trained and equipped to engage in multiple activities after receiving their undergraduate degree. At the Citadel, many of our graduates enter military service. Nationwide, the largest percentage, enter the commercial or government work force, beginning careers in engineering, business, finance, information technology, and various high tech sectors. Over 35% of physics graduates nationwide pursue further academic education. So what can a student do with a degree in Physics? The answer most appropriate is: Anything they wish to do!
Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Your studies will include mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. Physics provides the foundation for all engineering and many scientific disciplines, including, communications technologies, aerospace, the geosciences, biomedicine and the life sciences. Your research will explore profound questions about the universe and the complex physical and environmental systems in which we exist. The world is moving more toward an economy firmly based on knowledge and continuous innovation. The jobs you will seek upon graduation will require greater ability to invent, improve and adapt, and to see beyond present challenges to future opportunities. Success in this evolving economy will demand a scientifically educated and trained populace. A degree in physics will posture you for unlimited opportunities to contribute successfully to society in multiple ways and to earn above competitive compensation in the process.
The majority of physics graduates pursue careers in fields where they can put their knowledge and expertise to more practical applications, while some go on to become professional physicists. With their skills in problem solving, mathematical reasoning, computer programming, and organizing and interpreting scientific data, physics grads can move into governmental and industrial jobs that require an ability to think logically and creatively. Physics majors are well suited to jobs that require step-by-step problem solving using math skills and excellent observational and communications skills. Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of
Is physics a good major?
Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Your studies will include mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. Physics provides the foundation for all engineering and many scientific disciplines, including, communications technologies, aerospace, the geosciences, biomedicine and the life sciences. Your research will explore profound questions about the universe and the complex physical and environmental systems in which we exist. The world is moving more toward an economy firmly based on knowledge and continuous innovation. The jobs you will seek upon graduation will require greater ability to invent, improve and adapt, and to see beyond present challenges to future opportunities. Success in this evolving economy will demand a scientifically educated and trained populace. A degree in physics will posture you for unlimited opportunities to contribute successfully to society in multiple ways and to earn above competitive compensation in the process.
The majority of physics graduates pursue careers in fields where they can put their knowledge and expertise to more practical applications, while some go on to become professional physicists. With their skills in problem solving, mathematical reasoning, computer programming, and organizing and interpreting scientific data, physics grads can move into governmental and industrial jobs that require an ability to think logically and creatively. Physics majors are well suited to jobs that require step-by-step problem solving using math skills and excellent observational and communications skills. Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of
Physics graduates are sought by government and industry employers for jobs in: telecommunications, electronics, computing, quality control testing, banking, insurance, teaching, management, technical sales, and the armed forces. Physics graduates are trained and equipped to engage in multiple activities after receiving their undergraduate degree. At the Citadel, many of our graduates enter military service. Nationwide, the largest percentage, enter the commercial or government work force, beginning careers in engineering, business, finance, information technology, and various high tech sectors. Over 35% of physics graduates nationwide pursue further academic education. So what can a student do with a degree in Physics? The answer most appropriate is: Anything they wish to do!
Physics students are sought after because of their broad set of skills and deep knowledge. We like to think of physics as a problem solving “multitool”.
The goal of physics is to understand how things work from first principles. We offer physics courses that are matched to a range of goals that students may have in studying physics — taking elective courses to broaden ones scientific literacy, satisfying requirements for a major in the sciences or engineering, or working towards a degree in physics or engineering physics. Courses in physics reveal the mathematical beauty of the universe at scales ranging from subatomic to cosmological. Studying physics strengthens quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills that are valuable in areas beyond physics. Students who study physics or engineering physics are prepared to work on forefront ideas in science and technology, in academia, the government, or the private sector. Careers might focus on basic research in astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, atomic physics, photonics or condensed matter physics, or in more applied research in areas such as renewable energy, quantum information science, materials development, biophysics, or medical physics. Careers could also include teaching, medicine, law (especially intellectual property or patent law), science writing, history of science, philosophy of science, science policy, energy policy, government, or management in technical fields. The physics and engineering physics majors are great preparation for almost any career, because they teach students how to analyze complex problems and they give students a strong quantitative background that can be applied in any technical field. You can find information on careers in physics, engineering physics and related fields at these very useful sites:
No matter your major, you are probably in college to improve your employment prospects. You may want to learn and discover about the world around you, but, at the end of the day, a college education is all about your career path. The Physics degree is important whether you want to go to graduate school or plan to get a job after graduation. The department has several different concentrations and some of them are more directed towards grad school while others are more directed towards jobs. Whichever direction you are taking, your advisor will be glad to talk to you about how to best achieve your personal goals.
When we talk about Physics jobs and careers the first thing to notice is that there are very few jobs out there that are labeled “Physicist.” Most of the jobs labeled Physicist are earmarked for people who have completed a Ph.D. But you do not have to complete the Ph.D. in Physics in order to get a job and have a good career.
Employment prospects in Physics are generally very good, even in a bad economy. Physics majors are sought after by employers for many areas. The Physics education emphasizes problem solving and abstract thinking, and this training makes these graduates very desirable in the job market. This is spelled out in Figure 4 on Page 4 of the AIP Physics Bachelor’s Initial Employment Report. This document comes from the American Institute of Physics (AIP) website, and we suggest you explore the AIP Statistical Research Centerto learn more about Physics employment. The AIP also supplies the names of some companies in the state of Illinois that have recently hired Physics majors.
You are probably interested in the economic value of your Physics degree. Different concentrations have different ranges, but overall the salary information for Physics graduates is given in the AIP Trends info on Salary Data. You can see that Physics is a field where people are well paid. There is more data about who hires, how much they pay, and the job satisfaction in the AIP Physics Bachelor’s Initial Employment Report. But another look at the job satisfaction for Physics graduates is found in the chart: If I Had to Do It Over Again, I Would still Major in Physics.
A part of the Mission Statement for the Physics department says “The undergraduate program for students pursuing a BS degree in Physics provides a solid and challenging education and prepares them to excel in diverse career paths where independent thinking, analytical skills, and experimental skills are useful. These paths include graduate or professional school, industrial research, and education, not just in Physics but in other scientific, engineering, social, and professional fields.” We take this very seriously and will work with you to start you on your path to a long and satisfying career.
FAQ
Is physics a good major?
Is physics a good major for the future?