Physics Majors

Physics Department Homepage

Physics Program Map

Physics Department Resources for Students

Physics Career Information

• American Physical Society: Job Prospects for Physicists

• American Physical Society: Why study physics?

• The Institute of Physics: Where Physics Could Take You

• The Ohio State University Department of Physics has some great career information here.

• World Wide Learn: Physics Majors Guide

Physics Professional Societies

Why should students consider joining professional organizations?

• Education – Many professional associations provide opportunities for their members to educate themselves on the best practices in their industry through training, workshops, seminars, and online courses.  These are often given by industry leaders who have years of experience, and can aid in your job application process post-graduation.

• Exclusive Online Resources – With a membership in a professional association, you may gain access to journals, articles, webinars, infographics, and message boards to aid your professional growth and development.  They may even provide access to databases of internship and job openings in your desired field.

• Networking Opportunities – Professional associations provide networking opportunities with people who are specifically in your industry. Whether you are looking to pursue employment opportunities, connect with other industry professionals, or even looking for a mentor within your profession, the networking opportunities are invaluable. 

• Conferences – Events and conferences are a great way to get to know your fellow members and connect with some of the brightest minds in your industry. The more involved with an association you are, the more it will benefit your professional growth.  Expand your leadership skills with executive roles within your association and include the position in your resume.

Traditional Professional Organizations

Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

• The Society of Physics Students is a professional association explicitly designed for students. Membership, through collegiate chapters, is open to anyone interested in physics. The only requirement for membership is that you be interested in physics.  SPS has student dues of only $24 per year.

• The American Physical Society, the national organization for professional physicists, offers the first year of APS memberships to students for free.  The APS is a nonprofit organization working to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through its outstanding research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy, and international activities. APS represents over 55,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and throughout the world.

• American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) is a professional membership association of scientists dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching.

• The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. Members include physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences.

Identity-Based Organizations

Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

• The mission of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) is to promote the professional well-being of African American physicists and physics students within the international scientific community and within society at large. The organization seeks to develop and support efforts to increase opportunities for African Americans in physics and to increase their numbers and visibility of their scientific work. 

• The purpose of the National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSHP) is to promote the professional well-being and recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic physicists within the scientific community of the United States and within society at large. The Society seeks to develop and support efforts to increase opportunities for Hispanics in physics and to increase the number of practicing Hispanic physicists, particularly by encouraging Hispanic students to enter a career in physics.

• Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is a global network that inspires bold leadership, research, and solutions that advance women in STEM, spark innovation, promote organizational success and drive systemic change.