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Undergraduate Academic Counseling
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What can I do with a major in....?

Physics

Physics majors learn the fundamental laws that govern the physical universe, from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxies to the very structure of space and time. Emphasis is placed on general understanding, problem solving, and the communication skills essential for success in a career grounded in science. In the laboratory, students use state-of-the-art instrumentation in applying physics to a wide variety of systems.

Required Courses for the Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Required Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Physics

Transferable Skills
Some information taken from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio College of Arts and Science Advising Office

Mathematical Problem Solving Technical
Performing calculations
Mathematical modeling
Clarifying problems and comparing factors
Solving quantitative problems
Using computer technology
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical
and optical equipment
Developing computer interfacing
Research Communications
Theory development
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Designing research projects
Organizing ideas/materials
Defining/developing/generating ideas
Experimenting with ideas/procedures/projects
Adapting ideas
Seeing relationships between factors
Gathering/analyzing/evaluating data
Promotional writing
Developing and writing research proposals
Reviewing relevant literature
Summarizing research findings
Organizing and presenting data
Informing/explaining/instructing
Preparing technical reports

Career Opportunities
Some information taken from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio College of Arts and Science Advising Office

Physics Physics/Engineering
Physicist
-Acoustics
-Astrophysics
-Atomic/Molecular
-Biophysics
-Chemical
-Computational
-Condensed matter
-Fluid
-Nuclear
-Optics
-Particles and fields
-Polymer
-Plasma
Physics/Engineering Related Fields
Acoustical
Aeronautical
Biomedical
Computer
Electrical
Environmental
Industrial
Mechanical
Nuclear
Physics/Computer Science Physics/Biology
Systems analyst
Applications programmer
Systems support representative
Biomedical technician
Biophysicist
Health physicist
Medical physicist
Physician
Related Fields
Congressional researcher
Educational television producer
High school teacher
Instrument technician
Laser technician
Law
Mathematician
Operations manager
Research technician
Sales representative-technical products
Science journalist
University professor

On Campus Sources for More Information

Department of Physics Academic Counseling Office
Owens Science Hall, Room 153
651.962.5210
O'Shaughnessy Education Center, Room 119
651.962.6300
Career Development Center
Murray Herrick Hall, Room 350
651.962.6761

Internet Sources for More Information on Physics Careers


American Physical Society

American Institute of Physics

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Last updated:  October 13, 2008

Undergraduate Academic Counseling
119 O'Shaughnessy Educational Center
2115 Summit Avenue Mail#4016 St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
Phone: (651) 962-6300   (800) 328-6819 ext. 26300
Fax: (651) 962-5965

Comments, questions, or feedback can be directed to gkwilbur@stthomas.edu

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