The Ultimate Physics Career Guide

Physicists are charged with the intellectually satisfying task of understanding how things work. Whether they are researching subatomic particles or entire galaxies, physicists implement their extensive knowledge about matter, energy, motion, and force to solve practical problems, explore technological possibilities, and venture into new frontiers of applying what we know about the world.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in physics are projected to grow at a faster than average rate over the next decade. In order to help you explore the possibilities, we've compiled links to the best resources for pursuing an education in physics and for pursuing the various career paths available to physics majors. All of the links are from universities, government agencies, or respectable independent organizations.

Physics Education - Acoustics - Applied Physics - Astrophysics - Condensed Matter Physics - Geophysics
Medical Physics - Nuclear Physics - Optics - Particle Physics - Other Specialties

Physics Education

Because physics integrates math and science and its concepts overlap with popular fields like engineering and technology, a degree in physics can be a springboard to many diverse opportunities. Some career paths are open to all physics majors and some require advanced degrees. To get a sense of the wide ranging career options for physics majors, browse these state-by-state listings from The American Institute of Physics (AIP) of companies hiring new physics graduates.

Whether you're interested in employment with a private corporation, university, research and development firm, or the federal government, be sure to check out the links below to learn more.

Choosing a College & Program: This American Institute of Physics (AIP) resource offers a wealth of information and guidance for prospective physics majors. Be sure peruse the article Does it Matter Where I Go to College? and the detailed reports in What Universities Offer a Degree in Physics in My State?
Education & Training : This resource from the Bureau of Labor Statistics covers what kind of education, training, and qualifications you will need for a career in physics.
Why Study Physics?: This article from the American Physical Society's Physics site is all about why you should study physics and where this degree can take you.
Career Overview : This resource from O*Net Online is a great introduction to everything you need to know about a career in physics, including the tasks, tools, and skills involved in this growing field.
Why Teach Physics?: Research from PhysTEC indicates that The American Association for Employment in Education consistently lists physics as one of the fields with the most severe teacher shortages. This PhysTEC video hopes to inspire talented physics majors to pursue fulfilling careers in teaching.

Acoustics

Acoustics is the branch of Physics that studies the physical properties of sound. Military and private sector jobs are available and applications range from noise control technology, to ultrasound technology, to music, to SONAR.

What is Acoustics?: This resource from Brigham Young University offers a great introduction the science of sound.
Career Information: The Acoustical Society of America helpfully provides this information about to the many applications of acoustics in the real world.
Career Opportunities: Acoustics.org maintains resources on finding and securing employment in the field of acoustics.

Applied Physics

Just like it sounds, applied physics isn't really a branch of physics, but the application of the principles of physics to solve practical problems. This field unites science, engineering, and advanced mathematics. Sometimes called engineering physics, specializations in quantum electronics, photonics, and other areas of applied physics can have a profound impact on technology and culture.

What is Applied Physics?: Before checking out some of the applied physics specializations profiled below, check out this background information from Kettering University.
Career Information: This article from California State University Channel Islands gives basic career direction and information on typical salaries for applied physics majors.
Career Opportunities: Columbia University offers this information on suggested career directions for applied physics majors.

Astrophysics

Broadly defined, astrophysics is study the physics of the universe. Whether it's applied to gravitational fields, high-energy particles, or celestial objects like stars and galaxies, astrophysics overlaps significantly with astronomy and can involve many foundational physics concepts like thermodynamics, electromagnetism, or quantum mechanics to name a few. Cosmology is essentially theoretical astrophysics (think e=mc 2 and you're on the right track).

What is Astrophysics?: Read this introductory article from PhysicsToday.org to get a better sense of what this cosmic career path involves.
Career Information: This summary from O*Net Online is a great introduction to everything you need to know about a career in astronomy or astrophysics.
Career Opportunities: Don't miss out on this great Job Register from the American Astronomical Society.

Condensed Matter Physics

Formerly called solid-state physics, this field studies materials in their various states and often involves concepts centering on crystalline materials and conductors. Approximately one third of U.S. physicists are working in condensed matter physics.

What is Condensed Matter Physics?: This article from Iowa State University provides a helpful introduction to the field and its subsections.
Career Information: This summary from PhysicsToday.org will help you get a better grasp on career opportunities in condensed matter physics.
Career Opportunities: The American Physical Society's Division of Condensed Matter Physics maintains this resource for those looking to get started in a career in this field.

Geophysics

As the name implies, geophysics involves applying the principles of physics to the study of the earth. Whether you're measuring waves or earthquakes, careers in geophysics will likely include elements of geodesy (the study of the size, shape, and movement of the earth) and principles of other earth sciences as well.

What is Geophysics?: Check out this introductory article from PhysicsToday.org to get a better handle on the scope of geophysics.
Career Information: Be sure to read up on this article from the American Geophysical Union called “What Do Earth and Space Scientists Do?”
Career Opportunities: Don't miss this great resource from the U.S. Geological Survey on how to become a geophysicist.

Medical Physics

Medical physics is a highly-recruited field that can include elements of molecular biophysics or nanotechnology. Diagnostic radiology and oncology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are just a few of the many applications of physics principles to the study of disease and the development of medical technology.

What is Medical Physics?: This helpful article from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine will acquaint you with the myriad possibilities in the field of medical physics.
Career Information: This in-depth resource from the American College of Radiology explains what practicing medical physics entails. For more information on careers in radiation health physics check out this link from the Health Physics Society.
Career Opportunities: This article from PhysicsToday.org succinctly outlines many of the career options in medical physics.

Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics explores the interactions between atomic particles and works to harness and understand the radiation emitted by unstable nuclei. Common applications include medical radiation therapy and power production.

What is Nuclear Physics?: This material from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Physics will help introduce you to a career exploring the building blocks of matter.
Career Information: This informative brochure from the American Nuclear Society profiles a number of exciting careers in nuclear science.
Career Opportunities: Check out this resource from the Nuclear Energy Institute to see if a career in the nuclear industry is right for you.

Optics

Optics involves the study of light and electromagnetic radiation. The science of optics affects modern life in many ways, notably through laser technology and fiber-optics.

What is Optics?: Read up on the field of optics in this background article from the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.
Career Information: Check out this article from the University of Arizona's College of Optics to see if a career in optics is a good fit for your talents and interests.
Career Opportunities: The Optical Society of America maintains a global resource for optics and photonics jobs. Don't miss this podcast on how to advance your career in optics.

Particle Physics

Often considered the new frontier of theoretical physics, particle physics, also known as high-energy physics, studies the fundamental basis of matter and elementary particles.

What is Particle Physics?: This article from the Fermilab Science Education Office offers a basic introduction to the field.
Career Information: PhysicsToday.org helpfully outlines careers in particle physics.
Career Opportunities: The University of Adelaide (Australia) maintains a great link listing for job-searching physics majors. Be sure to check out the high-energy physics (HEP) listings maintained by Stanford.

Other Specialties

If you're interested in other specializations not listed above, check out these profiles, courtesy of PhysicsJobs.org and the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

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