What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?
Whether you plan to explore the nature of quarks or the properties of outer space, a physics degree will develop your knowledge of matter, motion, space, and time.
Physics degrees introduce students to matter’s properties, structures, movements, and behavior in time and space. A physics program integrates natural science with mathematical analysis, training students in the core principles of physics and theories about the nature of the universe.
Coursework introduces learners to historical thinkers like Plato, Galileo, and Isaac Newton, along with more modern physics pioneers such as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.
Physics students develop an understanding of energy and matter as fundamental elements of the universe. Learners can explore branches of the discipline, such as nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics, and atomic physics. The following information includes descriptions of key physics fields.
What Kinds of Physics Degrees Are There?
Physics majors complete coursework in core principles and practices of the discipline, usually covering a lot of hard science and STEM topics, but curricula can vary widely among programs. Along with their chosen subsets of physics, students can focus on theoretical or applied physics.
Theoretical physics involves positing new models to explain the interactions between matter and energy, while applied physics tests models and theories against practical experiments, oftne leading to new technologies. Individuals should choose programs that match their interests and professional goals.
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Associate Degree in Physics
An associate degree in physics introduces students to fundamentals of the discipline, generally serving as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in physics. Enrollees study mathematics, natural science, and chemistry through two years of coursework.
Earning an associate degree in physics often meets the general education requirements for a four-year degree, or graduates can pursue entry-level careers in healthcare or research. With an associate degree in physics, learners can work as laboratory assistants, nuclear technicians, and medical equipment maintenance providers.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Physics
A bachelor’s degree in physics typically includes four years of coursework. Students begin by learning about core practices and principles of physics before continuing on to specialized classes. Degree-seekers explore nuclear particles, physical optics, and thermodynamics.
With a bachelor’s degree in physics, students can pursue roles as physics teachers, laboratory technicians, and applications engineers. A bachelor’s degree in physics can also serve as a pathway to graduate work in physics or a related field.
What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and a Bachelor of Science in Physics?
Most schools offer bachelor of science (BS) degrees in physics, but some institutions also offer bachelor of arts (BA) degrees in physics. BA and BS programs in physics share many similarities, but BS degrees emphasize research and direct application of physics concepts and principles, while BAs have more generalized curricula.
Earning a BS in physics is ideal for learners interested in pursuing careers in science-related industries or in attending grad school. A BA in physics integrates additional humanities and liberal arts coursework, making it best suited for learners who intend to pursue communications or managerial roles tangential to science.
With a BS in physics, students have the knowledge and skills to work as software engineers, research scientists, and mechanical engineers. A BA in physics leads to positions in data analysis, education, communications, and organizational leadership.
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Master’s Degree in Physics
A master’s degree in physics includes two years of lecture, laboratory, and research coursework. Core classes cover mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum technology, and mathematical physics.
Students can specialize within the physics discipline in areas like medical physics, astrophysics, and materials science. A master’s degree in physics typically requires an in-depth research project or internship. Some programs include a thesis option, which ideal for learners who want to continue on to earn doctoral degrees in physics.
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Doctoral Degree in Physics
Students typically complete doctoral degrees in physics in 5-6 years. The curriculum includes two years of coursework followed by a competency exam. Once learners successfully complete the exam, they conduct independent research projects and produce dissertations.
Doctoral learners specialize in subsets of the field, like cosmology, quantum technology, or biophysics. Each enrollee’s emphasis informs their research and dissertation.
With a doctorate in physics, individuals can teach in postsecondary institutions or pursue roles like medical physics program specialist, natural science manager, and computer software engineering manager.
Accreditation for Physics Programs
Most colleges and universities in the United States receive regional or national accreditation. The regional form is preferred for STEM subjects, like physics. Accreditation attests to an institution’s educational quality, the scope of its programs, and its compliance with professional standards and policies. Students should always determine the accreditation status of a prospective school before enrolling.
Along with national and regional accreditation, individual programs and departments can receive programmatic accreditation. Several accrediting agencies work in the physics field, including The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, which provides accreditation for medical physics degree programs, and ABET, which accredits applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology programs.
What Can I Do With a Physics Degree?
Physics majors can pursue career options across economic sectors. The main industries for physics students include engineering, healthcare, and technology, but graduates can also pursue careers in education, meteorology, and business.
Physics degrees prepare learners to enter these fields by building foundational knowledge and skills in physics, chemistry, and related disciplines. Enrollees develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills applicable to many different roles.
What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With a Physics Degree?
Salaries for individuals with physics degrees vary by level, role, and experience. Many of the traditional fields for physics graduates offer lucrative opportunities for employment. By taking specific classes or specializing in topics like engineering, individuals can prepare for careers in high-paying fields with strong projected job growth rates.
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Minimum Degree Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $137,940 | 5% | Bachelor’s |
| Physicists and Astronomers | $128,950 | 7% | Doctoral |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $126,830 | 15% | Master’s |
| Nuclear Engineers | $116,140 | -13% | Bachelor’s |
| Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists | $99,740 | 6% | Bachelor’s |
| Biophysicists | $94,270 | 4% | Doctoral |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $92,620 | 5% | Bachelor’s |
| Environmental Engineers | $92,120 | 3% | Bachelor’s |
| Physics College Professors | $90,400 | 9% | Doctoral |
| Mechanical Engineers | $90,160 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Civil Engineers | $88,570 | 2% | Bachelor’s |
| Nuclear Technicians | $84,190 | -19% | Associate |
| Chemists and Material Scientists | $80,680 | 5% | Bachelor’s |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $73,230 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
| High School Teachers | $62,870 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Chemical Technicians | $49,820 | 3% | Associate |
Professional Organizations
The National Society of Black Physicists
NSBP serves the Black physics community through mentorship programs and seminars, along with academic and professional support. Student members receive tutoring and networking resources, discounts on registration for NSBP events, and scholarship and internship programs.Committee on the Status of Women in Physics
CSWP is a body within the American Physical Society that encourages recruitment, retention, and career support for women physicists. CSWP offers a listserv, networking events, professional development seminars, and internship programs for women physicists at all levels.The American Association of Physics Teachers
Uniting physics teachers at all levels since 1930, AAPT fosters excellence in physical science education. Members receive access to AAPT’s journals, teaching materials, and discounts on AAPT events and products. Additional benefits include award programs, mentorship opportunities, and collaboration resources.The Federation of American Scientists
FAS unites scientists, engineers, and other technically trained individuals to protect against security threats. This organization provides publications, advocacy, networking events, and career opportunities.Frequently Asked Questions
Melissa Sartore holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her BA and MA in history are from Western Illinois University. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries.
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