Physics
The study of Physics involves the branch of science which is concerned with the laws and properties of matter; physics deals with mechanics, dynamics, light, heat, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Physicists work may range from highly complex and theoretical studies, to more practical activities which relate theory to the practical needs.
Related Skills
- Strong math background
- Ability to use computers and derive data
- Strong written and research skills
- Ability to use theories in practice
- Strong analytical skills
- Logical thinker
Being Successful in the Field
- A bachelor's degree will qualify for positions as research assistants, high level technicians, or computer specialists, as well as nontechnical work in publishing or sales.
- An undergraduate degree also provides a solid background for pursuing advanced degrees in other employment areas such as law, business, accounting, or medicine.
- Be aware that expertise and experience in a specialty area are usually required for employment opportunities directly related to physics.
- 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.
- Some industries such as the manufacturers of electrical devices will train in the specialty of the firm.
- 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.
- Visit government laboratories or research centers. Talk with a physicist about his/her profession and career path.
- Join relevant professional associations. Attend their meetings and read their publications.
- Gain experience with tools, electronics, and machinery.
Related Fields
Astronomy
- Teaching
- Research
- Writing
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Observatories
- Planetariums
- Science museums
- Nonprofit foundations
- Industry e.g., aerospace, scientific supply, mass media
- Federal government: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Smithsonian
- Astrophysical Observatory, U.S. Naval Observatory, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Strategies
- Acquire excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Get involved in a research project.
- Develop a specialty area of expertise and experience.
Acoustical Physics
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Teaching
- Consulting
- Administration
- Testing
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Government laboratories
- Nonprofit research centers
- Industry e.g., electronics, building design, medical instrumentation, communications, engineering, noise pollution, sound recording, film production
Strategies
- Supplement program with courses in psychology, physiology, communications, political science, and sociology.
- Obtain a graduate degree in physics for opportunities in industry.
- Maintain an interest in music, the arts and humanities.
Astrophysics
- Teaching
- Consulting
- Administration
- Research
- Design
- Astronautics
Employers
- Government laboratories
- Research centers
- Airports
- Colleges and universities
- Commercial industry
- Space industry
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Observatories
- Planetariums
- Military
Strategies
- Obtain experience through part-time or voluntary position in a planetarium, observatory or science museum. Complete an internship with a research organization or related industry.
- Participate in research with scholars in the field.
- Contact the American Astronomical Society for more information.
Biophysics
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Teaching
- Consulting
- Administration
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Government laboratories
- Nonprofit research centers
- Industry e.g., biotechnology, environment, pharmaceuticals
- Hospitals
Strategies
- Acquire information about state licensure required for various types of technicians working in medical settings.
- Gain experience as a laboratory assistant or hospital orderly.
- Volunteer at a hospital or clinic.
Fluid and Plasma Physics
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Teaching
- Consulting
- Administration
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Government laboratories
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit research centers
- Industry e.g., automobile, jet engine, space vehicle design, controlled fusion device design
Strategies
Obtain a graduate degree (master's or doctorate) for opportunities in industry or research.
Geophysics
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Teaching
- Consulting
- Administration
- Exploration
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofit research centers
- Federal government e.g., Coast and Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, Army Map
- Service, Naval Oceanographic Office
- Industry e.g., petroleum, mining, exploration
- Consulting firms
Strategies
- Specialize in geophysics or minor in geology.
- Develop good background in mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics.
- Maintain good physical condition.
Health Physics
- Basic and Applied Research
- Development
- Teaching
- Consulting
- Administration
- Monitoring/Inspection
Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Government laboratories
- Government agencies e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Public Health Service
- Nonprofit research centers
- Industry e.g., health physics instrumentation, nuclear power, nuclear weapons, radioisotope products, nuclear accelerators, nuclear reactors
- Environmental firms
- Hospitals
Strategies
- Earn a Ph.D. and certification by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) for top university teaching, research and administrative positions.
- Complete a master's degree and certification by the ABHP for professional health physicists’ positions.
- Specialize in health physics and obtain technician certification from the National Registry of Radiation Protection.
- Acquire knowledge of government standards and regulations.
Other Professions
- Acoustic Physicist
- Aerospace Engineer
- Agricultural Scientist
- Astronomer
- Biophysicist
- Cryogenic Physicist
- Design Engineer
- Editor – Science
- Electronic Molecular Physicist
- Electro-Optical Engineer
- Environmentalist
- Fluids Physicist
- Geophysicist
- High School Teacher
- Lab Technician
- Metallurgist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Nuclear Physicist
- Oceanographer
- Physical Chemist
- Physicist
- Plasma Physicist
- Professor
- Project Manager
- Quality Control Manager
- Research & Development Engineer
- Research Assistant
- Sales Engineer
- Science Laboratory Technician
- Semi-Conductor Process Engineer
- Solid Earth Physicist
- Solid State Physicist
- Teacher, Science
- Technical Writer/Communicator
- Test Engineer
