What Types of Careers will you be prepared for?

Individuals with bachelor’s degrees in physics have a range of career options available to them. The versatility of a physics degree allows graduates to apply their analytical and problem-solving skills in various industries and pursue diverse career paths. While some careers directly utilize their physics knowledge, others may require additional training or specialization.

Approximately 50% of people earning a bachelors degrees in physics pursue higher degrees in physics, astronomy, engineering, medicine, law, and a variety of other STEM fields. The other 50% pursue careers in the public and private sector. Below are some career options for people with bachelor’s degrees in physics. Students completing dual or double degrees in physics with an additional STEM field are eligible for all the careers in physics, as well as additional opportunities as outlined in each section below.

Research Scientist

Many physics graduates pursue careers in research, working in academic institutions, government laboratories, or private research organizations. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in various fields.

Data Scientist

Physics graduates possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in the field of data science. They can apply their knowledge of statistical analysis, modeling, and programming to extract insights and patterns from complex data sets.

Engineering

Physics graduates often find opportunities in engineering fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or aerospace engineering. Their understanding of fundamental principles can be applied to design, testing, and analysis of engineering systems and technologies.

Teaching and Education

With a bachelor’s degree in physics, you can pursue a career in teaching at the secondary school level. Alternatively, you may choose to continue your education and obtain a teaching certification to teach physics at the middle school or high school level.

Medical Physicist

Physics graduates can specialize in medical physics, where they apply their knowledge to support medical imaging, radiation therapy, and radiation safety in healthcare settings. Additional training and certification may be required for this career path.

Patent Examiner

Physics graduates can work as patent examiners, reviewing and evaluating patent applications related to physics-based inventions. They assess the novelty, non-obviousness, and utility of inventions and determine whether they meet the criteria for patentability.

Finance and Investment Banking

Physics graduates possess strong analytical and quantitative skills sought after in the finance industry. They can work as quantitative analysts, using mathematical models and statistical analysis to assess financial risks and develop investment strategies.

Technical Writer

Physics graduates can pursue a career in technical writing, where they explain complex scientific concepts and technologies in a clear and concise manner. They create manuals, user guides, and documentation for scientific products or research papers.

The below examples of career options showcase the diverse possibilities that arise from combining a background in physics and mechanical engineering. They demonstrate the potential to work in industries such as aerospace, robotics, renewable energy, and research and development.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. The combined knowledge of physics and mechanical engineering can be valuable in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and structural analysis.

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers design and develop robotic systems for various applications. With a background in mechanical engineering and knowledge of physics, you can contribute to the design of robotic mechanisms, control systems, and the integration of sensors.

Product Development Engineer

Product development engineers work on designing and improving products in various industries. Your expertise in both physics and mechanical engineering can be advantageous in developing innovative and functional products, optimizing performance, and solving technical challenges.

Renewable Energy Engineer

The knowledge of physics and mechanical engineering can be applied to the field of renewable energy. As a renewable energy engineer, you can work on the design and development of wind turbines, solar panels, or other sustainable energy systems.

R&D Scientist/Engineer

With a dual background in physics and mechanical engineering, you can pursue research and development (R&D) roles in various industries. This could involve working on innovative technologies, improving existing products, or developing new materials or processes.

Energy Analyst

Energy analysts assess energy usage, efficiency, and sustainability in various settings. They use their knowledge of physics and mechanical engineering to analyze energy systems, identify opportunities for improvement, and propose energy-saving measures.

Technical Consultant

As a technical consultant, you can provide expertise in physics and mechanical engineering to clients or organizations seeking specialized advice. This may involve solving complex technical problems, conducting feasibility studies, or providing guidance on engineering projects.

The below examples of career options showcase the diverse possibilities that arise from combining a background in physics and electrical engineering. They demonstrate the potential to work in industries such as communication, aerospace, quantum computing, renewable energy, and research and development.

Electronics Engineer

These professionals design, develop and test electronic systems and equipment. They work on a wide range of products such as communication systems, aerospace systems, medical devices, and more.

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable energy engineers use their knowledge of electrical engineering and physics to design and develop sustainable energy systems, such as wind turbines and solar panels.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They use their knowledge of physics and electrical engineering to develop and test systems for safety and performance.

Quantum Computing Engineer

These professionals design and develop quantum computing hardware and software systems. They use their knowledge of physics and electrical engineering to design and optimize quantum circuits, develop algorithms for quantum computers, and test and verify the performance of quantum systems.

The below examples of career options showcase some of the options available to individuals with bachelor’s degrees in both physics and computer science. The combination of physics knowledge with computer science skills enables you to contribute to various fields, including scientific research, data analysis, software development, and computational modeling.

Computational Physicist

Computational physicists utilize computer simulations and modeling techniques to study complex physical systems and phenomena. They develop algorithms, write code, and use computational methods to solve physics problems and analyze experimental data.

Software Developer/Engineer

Physics and computer science graduates can pursue careers as software developers or engineers, creating software applications, systems, or tools. You can specialize in scientific software development, numerical simulations, or software for physics-related research.

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts, also known as “quants,” use mathematical and statistical modeling to analyze financial markets and develop trading strategies. Physics and computer science graduates with strong analytical skills are highly sought after in this field.

Software/Algorithm Engineer in Physics Research

Many physics research projects require software and algorithm development. You can work on designing and implementing software solutions, data analysis algorithms, or simulation tools for physics experiments and research.

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer

Physics and computer science graduates can work in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. You can develop AI models, design algorithms, and apply machine learning techniques to solve complex problems or enhance automation processes.

Scientific Software Consultant

Physics and computer science graduates can work as consultants, providing expertise in scientific software development and computational techniques to organizations or research groups. You can help optimize software, improve code performance, and provide technical guidance.

The below examples of career options showcase some of the options available to individuals with bachelor’s degrees in both physics and mathematics. The combined knowledge of physics and mathematics opens doors to careers in data science, finance, research, software development, and more.

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts apply mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial markets and develop trading strategies. With a background in physics and mathematics, you can work in quantitative finance, risk management, or investment banking.

Actuary

Actuaries assess and manage risks in the insurance and financial industries. Physics and mathematics graduates possess the quantitative skills necessary for this career, as they analyze data, calculate probabilities, and design models to determine insurance premiums and financial forecasts.

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to optimize processes and decision-making in various industries. With a background in physics and mathematics, you can help organizations improve efficiency, resource allocation, and logistics.

Software Developer/Engineer

Physics and mathematics graduates often have strong programming skills, making them well-suited for software development roles. You can specialize in scientific software development, numerical simulations, or data analysis tools.

Mathematical Analyst

Mathematical analysts work on complex mathematical problems and develop mathematical models for scientific research or engineering applications. They apply mathematical principles to solve problems in diverse fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science.

Teaching and Academia

With degrees in physics and mathematics, you can pursue careers in teaching at the secondary school or college level. You can also consider advanced degrees and research positions in academia.