Physics:
A Gateway to Many Careers

Physics, the most basic of the sciences, has intellectual and useful aspects. The intellectual component resides in our innate desire to understand the physical characteristics of our universe. The usefulness is evident everywhere in high-tech products and computerized communications. Productive citizens in this technological age have a liberal education which includes an understanding of science. For example, not only congressmen, but citizens need an understanding of physics when they annually debate appropriations for scientific research, such as the future of the Space Program. Many of the technological advances in our modern society flow directly from physics laboratories, such as, the many applications of lasers, or the possibility of high speed levitated trains relying on high temperature superconductors. These are just two examples of exciting applications which resulted from intellectual endeavors to unlock the secrets of the universe.

A degree in physics provides opportunities for challenging and exciting careers in many professions, because physics teaches skills that are transferable to these professions. These skills include problem solving, analytical abilities, mathematical modeling, design and interpretation of experiments, research experience, and communication skills. The physics major is also excellent preparation for students planning to enter science related businesses, MBA School, Medical School, or Law School. Medical Schools seek out students with majors in physics because of the high-tech nature of medical care. MBA schools consider a major in physics outstanding preparation for an understanding of manufacturing and the high-tech aspect of our economy. Just a few of the many careers that are open to you by pursuing a degree in physics are listed below.

Possible careers with a degree in physics:

• Medicine
• Engineering
• Biophysics
• Astronomy
• Chemistry
• Patent Law
• Management
• Education
• Environmental Science
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Radiology
• Meterology
• Imaging
• Technician
• Journalism
• Actuarial Science
• Financial Planning

Visit the Physics Today Jobs career portal for resources including career planning, development, job fairs, and a job search engine.

Facts you should know about being a physics major:

(Compiled from studies by the American Institute of Physics)

• Its not necessary to go to graduate school to get a good job: five to eight years after graduating, about one-third of people who earned bachelor’s degrees in physics do not have any additional degrees
• Many career paths are open to you with a physics degree: three-fourths of physics bachelors work in science-related jobs, including software, engineering, high school teachers, and managers in technical fields
• Over three quarters of physics bachelor’s recipients would choose to study physics again

Did you know? Physics in everyday life...

(Compiled from information provided by the American Institute of Physics and WFU Physics professors)

• An amusement park, with its roller coasters and many rides, uses many concepts, such as acceleration, momentum, gravitational potential energy, and weightlessness, that you learn in introductory physics courses
• Concepts from physics and aerodynamic engineering are used to help race car teams reduce drag and increase traction
• The concept of momentum, taught in physics courses, shows that a karate strike aimed slightly behind the target achieves the most force