What can I do with a major in Physics
What Activities Could Physics Majors Do?
Physicists explore and identify the basic principles governing the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer of energy and the interaction of matter and energy. Some physicists use these principles in theoretical areas such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe. Others work in more practical areas such as the development of materials, electronic or optical devices and medical equipment.
Physicists design and perform experiments with lasers, cyclotrons, telescopes, mass spectrometers, and other equipment. Based on observations and analysis, they attempt to discover and explain laws describing the forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. Physicists also find ways to apply physical laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communications, aerospace technology, navigation equipment, and medical instrumentation.
Many physicists work in research and development. Some do basic research to increase scientific knowledge or applied research to build on basic knowledge. Some common areas of study in physics include solid state, nuclear and astrophysics, biophysics, acoustics, atomic physics and geophysics.Research in physics often requires a Ph.D.
What Industries Could Physics Majors Explore?
| Petroleum/Mining |
Telecommunications |
Publishing |
Engineering Consulting |
| Optics |
Information Systems |
R & D |
Research |
What Employers Hire Physics Majors?
| 3M |
Alliant Techsystems |
Bristol-Meyers Squibb |
Donatelle Plastics |
| Epic Systems |
ExxonMobil |
Graco |
FM Global |
| Corning |
General Electric |
Lockheed Martin |
Lucent Technology |
| IBM Co. |
Microsoft |
Schlumberger |
Intel |
| Universities |
MIT Lincoln Laboratory |
US Military |
USDA |
| AT&T Bell Labs |
California Institute of Technology |
Cypress Semiconductor |
EDS |
| Imation |
Polar Fab |
Seagate Technology |
Thomson West |
What Are Some Full-Time Job Titles For Physics Majors?
| Application Integrator |
Teacher |
Systems Engineer |
Research Physicist |
| Director of Sales |
Field Engineer |
Technician |
Senior Scientist |
| Manager |
Technical Sales |
Scientist |
Professor |
What Are Some Useful Websites For Physics Majors?
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