SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Career Paths in Physics
Prior to entering college, most undergraduates have never met anyone calling themselves a "physicist." Indeed, once in college, they may get the impression that teaching is the only thing that physicists do.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, few majors can match the wealth of opportunities coming from a training in physics.
Penn State Behrend Physics majors have established careers in diverse fields that include astronomy, astrophysics, business, communications, computer science, education, engineering, energy and resource management, environmental science, industry and manufacturing, medicine, research and development, and technical writing.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities for physicists to grow by 10 percent to 20 percent over the next decade.
In a 2000 survey of its members, the American Institute of Physics found that the annual median salary for someone holding a bachelor’s degree in Physics was $60,000. That figure increased to $63,800 for members with master’s degrees, and to $78,000 for Ph.D.s, excluding postdoctoral positions.
The Society of Physics Students have website that profiles people who are using their physics education in careers that may not have occur to you. (Society of Physics Students: Careers Using Physics)
The American Institue of Physics Career Services website has specific physics job applications s(omewhat slanted toward jobs requiring advanced degrees) and also has employment statistics for physics as well as profiles of physicist working in industry.
The American
Physical Society addresses questions such as "What Can I
Do with a Physics Major?", "What Electives Should I
Take?", and "Who Can I Go to for Career Advice?" .
The Institute of Physics discuss why you should study physics. The University of North Carolina has the on-line brochure Physics in Your Future.