Physics is a versatile degree that can lead to jobs and careers in many different areas. Visit the department website, watch the videos below, or scroll down and select an option under Related Career Fields to see more information about potential careers you can pursue.
Physics
Related Career Fields
Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.
Acoustical Physics
Career Areas
- Development
- Testing
- Consulting
- Administration
- Education
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Military
- Government laboratories
- Nonprofit research centers
- Industry e.g., electronics, building design, medical instrumentation, communications, engineering, noise pollution, petroleum, sound recording, film production
General Information
- Supplement program with courses in engineering, environmental science, urban planning, remote sensing, physiology, performing arts, audio broadcasting, speech communication, film production, or other areas of interest.
- Seek internship experience in your specialty area.
- Stay abreast of federal, state, and local environmental regulations for the environmental impact positions.
- Become familiar with technologies used to measure/monitor noise levels.
- Obtain a graduate degree for additional opportunities in industry and education.
Astronomy
Career Areas
- Research
- Consulting
- Writing
- Public Relations
- Education
Employers
- Observatories
- Laboratories
- Planetariums
- Science museums
- Nonprofit foundations
- Colleges and universities
- Industry:
- Aerospace
- Scientific supply
- Computer software
- Remote sensing
- Communications
- Federal government:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Federal Aviation Administration
- U.S. Naval Observatory
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
General Information
- Obtain experience through part-time or voluntary position in a planetarium, observatory, or science museum.
- Cultivate broad knowledge of astronomy and speaking skills for jobs working with the public.
- Develop strong writing skills for preparing scientific reports.
- Seek undergraduate research opportunities with professors in the field.
- Develop a specialty area of expertise such as remote sensing, instrumentation, computer applications, etc.
- Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research positions.
Astrophysics
Career Areas
- Consulting
- Administration
- Research
Employers
- Research centers
- Colleges and universities
- Observatories
- Planetariums
- Aerospace industry
- Scientific supply industry
- Federal government:
- Military
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Airports
General Information
- Seek lab courses for direct experience with equipment and observatory tools.
- Participate in research with scholars in the field.
- Complete an internship with a research organization or related industry.
- Develop computer and oral and written communication skills.
- Learn to be effective in both independent research roles and team environments.
- Earn an advanced degree for most teaching and research positions.
Biophysics
Career Areas
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Consulting
- Administration
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Medical and dental schools
- Government laboratories
- Nonprofit research centers
- Industry e.g., biotechnology, environment, pharmaceuticals, food science, toxicology
- Hospitals
General Information
- Biophysics is considered an interdisciplinary field at the undergraduate level; most students prepare to enter by majoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics with supplementary courses in biology or by majoring in biology, biochemistry or molecular biology with supplementary courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Plan to specialize in an area such as experimental biophysics or computational biophysics and choose courses accordingly.
- Seek research experience through work with a professor or internships.
- Earn a bachelor's degree for most technician positions.
- Obtain advanced degree for higher-level positions in industry and academia.
Engineering Physics
Career Areas
- Engineering (Process and Testing)
- Quality Control
- Research
- Development
- Instrumentation
- Consulting
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Government laboratories
- Government agencies e.g., Department of Commerce, Department of Defense
- Engineering firms
- Manufacturing and processing firms
- Industry e.g., high technology, chemical, aerospace, agriculture, energy, fuel, computer, transportation
- Hospitals
General Information
- Choose a major in engineering physics or supplement physics major with engineering minor.
- Seek internship or co-op experience in area of interest.
- Develop strong oral and written communication skills.
- Complete applicable certification or licensure through professional organizations.
- Pursue advanced degree in engineering, engineering physics, or physics for increased opportunities.
Nuclear Physics
Career Areas
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Consulting
- Instrumentation
- Administration
- Law
- Quality Control
- Operations and Maintenance
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Military
- Industry e.g., security/weapons, nuclear accelerators, nuclear reactors, nuclear instrumentation, radioisotope products, transportation, healthcare, environmental protection, food irradiation
- Government laboratories and research centers
- Government agencies e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Energy
General Information
- Acquire a strong mathematics, computer science, and chemistry background.
- Choose a theoretical or experimental track.
- Seek internship experience in your specialty area.
- Pursue a master's degree or Ph.D. for advanced positions in the industry.
Particle/High Energy Physics
Career Areas
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Consulting
- Instrumentation
- Administration
- Operations and Maintenance
Employers
- Government laboratories
- Nonprofit research centers
- Colleges and universities
General Information
- Acquire a strong mathematics, computer science, and chemistry background.
- Choose a theoretical or experimental track.
- Seek internship experience in your specialty area.
- Pursue Ph.D. for advanced positions in academia.
Science Education
Career Areas
- Teaching
- Computer Software Development
- Educational Research
- Writing and Editing
- Library and Information Sciences
Employers
- Public school systems, K-12
- Private schools, K-12
- Publishing companies: books, magazines, videos
- Software developers
- Libraries
General Information
- Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
- Gain experience working with age group of interest through volunteering and tutoring.
- Become skilled in the use of computers and laboratory equipment.
- Maintain current knowledge of state and national legislation regarding teacher licensure.
- Acquire appropriate state teacher certification for K-12 teaching opportunities.
- Seek advanced degree required for specialists, education administration, college teaching, and other professional positions.
Join Organizations
Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.
Student Organizations
Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.
Search for Employers
General Guidelines and Strategies
- Visit government laboratories or research centers to learn more about opportunities in the field. Schedule informational interviews to learn about the profession and specific career paths.
- Join relevant professional associations. Attend meetings and stay up-to-date on research/publications.
- Acquire excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Gain experience using scientific instruments and equipment. Computer skills are critical.
- Participate in summer research institutes. Submit research to local poster competitions or research symposiums.
- A willingness to relocate is helpful due to limited opportunities in specialized areas.
- A bachelor's degree will qualify for positions such as research assistants, high-level technicians, or computer specialists, as well as non-technical work in publishing or sales.
- A graduate degree and post-graduate experience will allow for more responsibility and advancement in the field of physics.
- An earned doctorate is required for college or university teaching, advanced research, and administrative positions.
- A bachelor's degree and state teacher certification are required for K-12 teaching opportunities.
- Become familiar with government job application process for positions in federal, state, or local government.
- Supplement program with courses in engineering, environmental science, urban planning, remote sensing, physiology, performing arts, audio broadcasting, speech communication, film production, or other areas of interest.
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