What is Physics?
Physics is a natural science investigating observable phenomena at a fundamental level. While we might identify disciplines like astrophysics, biophysics, optical, computational, or condensed matter physics, the value of an education in physics lies in its versatility. Physicists not only find careers in government laboratories, universities, and private industries, but work in a broad range of sectors—from economics, business, and law; to biology and medicine; to technology and engineering—wherever quantitative-modeling and problem-solving skills are needed.
What Can I Do with a BS in Physics?
About 60 percent of our physics graduates attend graduate or professional school, specializing in physics, engineering, business, law, education, or medicine. After further education, other careers include those in computational science or the physical sciences such as meteorology or oceanography.
Those students not continuing their formal education can find employment in a variety of scientific, technical, and other fields. High school teaching, military service, or technical sales are some of these options. A physics degree can also provide entry into other fields such as marketing or business operations with technical companies.
Teaching is an especially attractive area of employment for physics graduates today. According to the Association for School, College, and University Staffing, teacher shortages exist in both physics and mathematics, a situation not expected to change significantly over the next few years.