What Will I Learn in a Physics Degree Program?

Being familiar with the laws of motion and the effect they have on matter is essential to not only understanding how our universe works, but also for being able to harness them for human needs. In this degree program, you'll work with professors and fellow students to build your knowledge in the fundamentals of physics through both academic and hands-on means. Students can expect to take courses in astrophysics, mechanics, technical physics, astronomy, computer science, biology, chemistry and mathematics. Because physics is used in so many different fields, most students will want to choose an area of specialization to allow them to hone their skills and help them to graduate as experts in a given topic.

What Can I Do With a Physics Degree?

Physics degree students will find that the pursuit of work in pure physics will require higher level education, usually at the master's and ideally at the doctoral level. Most students who major in physics will end up working in research or academia, but teaching opportunities at the high school level are also available to those with bachelor's degrees. Other careers in physics will depend on the specialization of the student, and many end up working on the physics side of fields such as astronomy, geology, computer science and biology. Additional careers are available in nuclear energy, telecommunications and scientific writing.

What Is the Career Outlook for Physics Degree Students?

Students who choose to pursue a career in physics should be aware that although a bachelor's can provide an inroad to the field, most positions will require higher level degrees, and financial and time considerations should be taken into account. Those who are willing to commit the effort to a physics degree program will find job prospects better than average for the next decade. Students will find jobs through federal research programs, private firms and laboratories, and as more physicists retire or leave the field job opportunities may grow further. Physicists can expect to make between $45,000 and $156,000 a year depending on location, experience and education.