What is a Physics Degree?
A Physics degree is a STEM program focused on the study of matter, energy, space, time, and the fundamental forces of the universe. The focus of physics is to understand the rules of the physical world. Students of physics will typically learn both the theoretical and practical sides of physics.
This typically includes subjects like:
- Quantum mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Electromagnetism
- Classical Mechanics
- Mathematical analysis
- Experimental work
You can additionally minor in physics if you’d rather focus on specific programs with the added benefits of learning about physics.
What Can You Specialize in with a Physics Degree?
Physics can have all kinds of specializations depending on your interests and your career goals. At PBA, we offer specializations that include Engineering with a focus on physics, Chemistry with a concentration in physics, and mathematics with a concentration in physics.
Additional Specializations Within Physics Can Include:
- Astrophysics and Space Science
- Acoustics
- Biophysics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Geophysics
- Material Physics (Materials Science)
- Nuclear Physics
- Medical Physics and Digital Healthcare
- Climate Science and Meteorology
- Lasers and Photonics
- Plasma Physics
- Optical Physics
Alternative Careers and Interdisciplinary Fields
- Data Science and Analytics
- Engineering (Various Fields: Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, etc.)
- Renewable Energy and Environmental Physics
- Information Technology and Software Development
- Forensic Physics
- Academia: Teaching, Research, Faculty Member Positions
- Science Communication, Technical Writing, and Consulting
- Finance, Market Analysis, and Quantitative Analysis
- High School or College-Level Physics Teaching
What Type of Work Experience Can a Physics Graduate Get?
Getting work experience is essential for physics graduates. Work experience can range from a research internship to teaching and tutoring.
Examples of work experience for physics graduates include:
Research Internships
- Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs in universities and research institutes.
- Summer research internships at national laboratories such as Fermilab, Los Alamos, CERN, and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
- Collaborative research projects with faculty, sometimes through co-op education programs.
Industry and Applied Work
- Engineering, data science, and software development internships at technology firms, engineering companies, or finance organizations.
- Forensic engineering internships, such as those with city departments investigating building safety.
Science Communication and Outreach
- Technical writing, science communication, or policy-related internships with organizations advancing physics in society.
- Public outreach, education, and museum programs designed to promote science.
International and Specialized Programs
- International research placements (e.g., DAAD-RISE in Germany, DESY, or CERN Summer Students Program).
- Department of Energy SULI Program, offering paid placements at various US labs.
Teaching and Tutoring
- Tutoring fellow undergraduates or younger students.
- Assisting professors during laboratory classes or helping run outreach science camps.
Physics students gain hands-on experience with lab research, computational analysis, technical problem-solving, science outreach, and multidisciplinary teamwork through these activities—skills that are valued in multiple industries.
What Type of Skills Can a Physics Graduate put on their CV?
- Data analysis
- Mathematical modeling
- Experimental design
- Programming (Python, MATLAB, C++, etc.)
- Problem-solving
- Scientific computing
- Research methodology
- Communication (written and oral)
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking
