Physics - College To Career

Physics - College To Career
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Employers Value
Physics
Majors
Physics
is the study of how things work at the most fundamental level.  These principles are then applied to understand all manner of things and processes in our universe.  Physics examines the world from the most basic particles such as quarks and gluons, to collections of atoms such as semiconductors and the devices made with them, and up to the largest objects that exist such as stars, black holes, and galaxies.  Not only does studying physics and astronomy give a command of the fundamental principles that describe the universe, but it also develops strong critical and analytical thinking and the problem-solving, mathematical, and computational tools to apply those principles.
A physics major at GSU (Georgia State University) may choose one of the eight concentrations based on the interest with an opportunity to select a research project in a broad range from subatomic and nuclear levels to the formation and evolution of active galaxies.
Physics Major Homepage
Steppingblocks
A data and analytics engine that provides workforce and education outcome insights on over 100 million people in the U.S.
Across the nation, the top three employers for Physics majors are Google, Intel, and NASA.
57% of Physics majors working at NASA have a doctorate degree.
Matlab is a top skill for Physics majors.
The average salary for Physics majors is $102k.
Nationally, 16.5% of all Physics majors live in California.
The top job titles for GSU Physics majors are software engineer and data scientist.
GSU Physics majors who are skilled in optics and interferometry have higher salary outcomes.
The most relevant skills for GSU Physics majors are observational astronomy and astrophysics.
74% of GSU Physics majors are male.
10.9% of GSU Physics majors work in education.
LOG IN TO STEPPINGBLOCKS
Major Stories
EACH MAJOR HAS A STORY TO SHARE. LISTEN TO THE WAYS
PHYSICS
FACULTY HELP STUDENTS WRITE THEIR SUCCESS STORIES.
Physics: Intro
Faculty Spotlight Unil Perera
Faculty Spotlight Dr. Crenshaw
Alum Amber Bishop
Alum Ashish Patel
Dr. Brian Thoms discusses GSU's exciting Physics program.
Dr. Perera discusses his research and how it helps students advance their careers.
A Physics professor gives insight about undergraduate study in the GSU Physics department.
A Physics alum shares how her Physics education at GSU advances her current career.
A Physics alum discusses how his education and experience with Physics at GSU helps him in his career.
Physics: Intro
Dr. Brian Thoms discusses GSU's exciting Physics program.
Faculty Spotlight Unil Perera
Dr. Perera discusses his research and how it helps students advance their careers.
Faculty Spotlight Dr. Crenshaw
A Physics professor gives insight about undergraduate study in the GSU Physics department.
Alum Amber Bishop
A Physics alum shares how her Physics education at GSU advances her current career.
Alum Ashish Patel
A Physics alum discusses how his education and experience with Physics at GSU helps him in his career.
Your Degree at Work
WHO HIRES GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
PHYSICS
MAJORS?
HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE EMPLOYMENT FIELDS OF GSU STUDENTS WITH A
PHYSICS
DEGREE.
Select an industry below to explore how Physics majors flourish
Defense & Space
Engineering
Electronic Manufacturing
Insurance
Education
Defense & Space
INDUSTRY
DEFENSE & SPACE
AVG. SALARY
$83,708
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
11.6
COMMON JOB TITLES
Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Program Manager, Engineer, Mechanical Engineer
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
Systems Engineering, Security Clearance, Defense Industry, Earned Value Management, Military, Aerospace, Information Assurance, Government Procurement, Military Operation, Requirements Management
Engineering
INDUSTRY
ENGINEERING
AVG. SALARY
$77,779
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
11.8
COMMON JOB TITLES
Project Manager, Engineer, Project Engineer, Principal, Architect
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
Autocad, Autodesk Revit, Civil Engineering, Architectural Design, Sketchup, Sustainable Design, Submittals (Construction), Stormwater, Drainage, Building Information Modeling
Electronic Manufacturing
INDUSTRY
ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURING
AVG. SALARY
$92,861
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
19.1
COMMON JOB TITLES
Software Engineer, Project Manager, Account Manager, Engineer, Manager
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
Electronics, Manufacturing, New Product Development, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Cross-Functional Teams, Embedded Systems, Consumer Electronics, Product Managemen
Insurance
INDUSTRY
INSURANCE
AVG. SALARY
$44,601
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
7.0
COMMON JOB TITLES
Insurance Sales Agent, Account Manager, Claims Adjuster, Customer Service Representative, Underwriter
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
Casualty Insurance, Insurance, Commercial General Liability Insurance, General Insurance, Legal Liability, Underwriting, Professional Liability Insurance, Umbrella Insurance, Claims Adjustment, Claims Management Company
Education
INDUSTRY
EDUCATION
AVG. SALARY
$67,010
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
8.6
COMMON JOB TITLES
Teacher, Professor, Adjunct Professor, Elementary School Teacher, Graduate Research Assistant
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
Teaching, Higher Education, Curriculum Development, Educational Technology, Public Speaking, Educational Leadership, Research, Staff Management, Student Affairs, Lesson Planning
Physics
Majors Have Skills!
HOW WILL YOU DEVELOP YOUR CAREER READINESS SKILLS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM?
TAKE A LOOK AT THE CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMING AVAILABLE TO
PHYSICS
MAJORS.
In every class, at every event, and in every program in which you participate, you practice
skills
that connect to the competencies employers value most. Click on an icon below to explore the courses and programs available to Physics majors.
Professionalism
PROFESSIONALISM
Opportunities in the Major:
Physics majors develop work ethics and learn professionalism through coursework, research, organizations, clubs, and dealing with the faculty. Students participate in Physics and Astronomy Department activities.
Associated Skills:
Meet deadlines
Demonstrates sensitivity to other’s concerns
Ask and respond appropriately to questions
Accept responsibility
Anticipate needs
Seek other perspectives
Demonstrate time management
Adapt to changed circumstances/environment
Interpret other’s emotions
Solicit and adjust to feedback
Close
Communication
COMMUNICATION
Courses to Consider:
PHYS 3300 Advanced Physics Lab
PHYS 4900 Research Project - CTW
PHYS 4001 Computational Neuroscience Laboratory
PHYS 4110 Introduction to Embedded Systems Laboratory
PHYS 4950 Advance Research-Signature Experience Course
Opportunities in the Major:
Summer Research Internships:
REU in Astronomy & Physics
Undergraduate Summer Research
Society of Physics Students Internship
Associated Skills:
Communicating complex ideas
Communicate to a mass audience
Use presentation software effectively
Produce successful and convincing proposals
Engage in social/community/political activism
Edit and publish material
Engage in storytelling and analyze narrative
Prepare interview questions and answers
Curate and maintain social media information
Translate research
Participate in active listening and respond appropriately
Close
Career/
Self Development
CAREER/SELF DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities in the Major:
Gordon Research Conference
American Physical Society March Meeting
American Physical Society April Meeting
Association of American Physics Teachers
Georgia Academy of Science Annual meeting
Associated Skills:
Adapt to professional situations
Demonstrate an awareness of the digital presence
Set and achieve goals
Articulate interests, skills, and values
Show attention to detail
Take initiative
Network
Curate e-portfolio
Identify support groups needed to achieve goals
Implement solutions
Close
Equity/
Inclusion
EQUITY/INCLUSION
Opportunities in the Major:
Physics majors have the opportunity to learn from faculty members from various cultural backgrounds coming from different regions around the world. Classrooms and research group meetings also provide opportunities for physics majors to experience diversity in the department.
Associated Skills:
Show an awareness of diverse perspectives
Demonstrate respect for other cultures
Approach team/group communication with sensitivity and openness
Show awareness of global/community issues
Question forms of power, privilege, and inequality
Develop a sense of personal and civic responsibility
Analyze cultural norms and values
Understand the influence of history, geography, gender, race, ethnicity, etc. on identity
Develop strategies for communicating with people with different languages
Demonstrate self-sufficiency in ‘outside the comfort zone’ situation
Close
Critical Thinking
CRITICAL THINKING
Courses to Consider:
PHYS 3300 Advanced Physics Lab
PHYS 3401 Modern Physics
PHYS 3550 Mathematical methods and Computational Physics I
PHYS 3850 Statistical and Thermal Physics
PHYS 4600 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 4700 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 4900 Research Project-CTW
PHYS 4810 Quantum Mechanics
Research opportunities through PHYS 4900 and Advance Research (PHYS 4950 with signature research experience): Research opportunities are available to every physics major within the department or another research institution or university under an academic research supervisor. Research opportunities are available in Stellar Astronomy, Solar System Physics, Extragalactic Astronomy, Condensed Matter Physics, Bio Physics, NeuroPhysics, Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Physics Education.
Opportunities in the Major:
Summer Research Internships:
REU in Astronomy & Physics
Undergraduate Summer Research
Society of Physics Students Internship
Associated Skills:
Recognize, build, and appraise arguments
Create and implement action plans
Analyze and visualize data
Build and analyze mathematical models
Use mathematical models to make predictions
Conduct applied and Theoretical research
Mine and analyze data
Create and implement solutions to crises/problems
Identify errors in reasoning
Provide useful summaries/precis
Connect valid research to support arguments/claims
Weigh options by considering the impact
Close
Teamwork
TEAMWORK
Courses to Consider:
PHYS 3300 Advanced Physics lab
PHYS 4900 Research project
PHYS 3500 Electronics
PHYS 4001 Computational Neuroscience Laboratory
PHYS 4110 Introduction to Embedded Systems Laboratory
PHYS 4950 Advance Research-Signature experience Course
PHYS 3550 Mathematical Methods and Computational Physics
Opportunities in the Majors:
Summer Research Internships:
REU in Astronomy & Physics
Undergraduate Summer Research
Society of Physics Students Internship
Society Of Physics Students-GSU chapter
Astronomy Club of GSU
Women in Physics
Associated Skills:
Assist in organizing and planning
Collaborate in group projects
Participate in collaborative writing
Design and assess tasks
Prioritize tasks
Follow through on tasks
Manage executive order function
Navigate conflict
Listen and respond appropriately
Show commitment and follow through
Close
Technology
TECHNOLOGY
Courses to Consider:
PHYS 3300 Advanced Physics lab
PHYS 4900 Research project
PHYS 4001 Computational Neuroscience Laboratory
PHYS 4770 Functional Neuroimaging
PHYS 4110 Introduction to Embedded Systems Laboratory
PHYS 4130 Fluid Dynamics with Astrophysical Applications
PHYS 3510 Astrophysics of Stars and Planets
PHYS 3520 Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
PHYS 4100 Astronomical Techniques and Instrumentation
PHYS 4200 Astronomical Data Analytics
PHYS 4410 Nuclear and Particle Physics
PHYS 4910 Solid State Physics
Associated Skills:
Working with laboratory instruments
Proficiency with computer hardware and software
Demonstrate technical and program literacy
Design creative digital solutions
Know and apply field-related tech to solve challenges
Engage in copywriting and editing tasks
Translate data
Create audience-appropriate layouts
Engage in a variety of digital publishing formats
Produce audio and video solutions
Manage podcast projects
Use a variety of modalities to express meaning
Close
Leadership
LEADERSHIP
Courses to Consider:
PHSY 3300 Advanced Physics lab
PHSY 4900 Research project-CTW
PHSY 4950 Advanced Research
Opportunities in the Major:
Organizations:
Society Of Physics Students-GSU chapter
Astronomy Club of GSU
Women in Physics
Science Olympiad
Atlanta Science Festival
Associated Skills:
Organize and manage projects
Develop time management strategies
Train/teach others how to perform tasks
Observe and reflect
Perform an advisory role
Develop and implement outcomes
Promote critical literacy
Take calculated risks
Manage conflict resolution
Generate ideas
Close
Your Career Starts Here
WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS ON CAMPUS,
YOU ARE CHARTING YOUR CAREER PATH.
TOP EMPLOYERS OF GSU
PHYSICS
GRADS AND AVERAGE SALARY
WHAT DOES A CAREER PATH LOOK LIKE FOR A
PHYSICS
MAJOR?
Career paths are often full of twists and turns. They are rarely straight lines. Watch the following video tutorial to learn how to explore the career paths of GSU alumni who after graduating with a degree in this major pursued their interests and passions rather than a specific job title:
Log in to Steppingblocks for more
national
data on Physics majors and to examine the career paths of several alumni.
COLLEGEtoCAREER
YOU HAVE SKILLS FOR A VARIETY OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
A study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that only 27% of employees work in a field directly related to their degree (Inside Higher Ed, August 2019).
MUSEUM CURATOR
71%
About 71% of 702 people working as museum curators majored in fields other than History. The chart above shows what they studied.
29
29 museum curators majored in Physics.
MEDICAL RESEARCHER
74%
Around 74% of 554 medical researchers majored in fields other than Health Care. The chart above shows what they studied.
24
24 medical researchers majored in Physics.
QUALITY CONTROL TECH
83%
About 83% of 9,017 quality control technicians majored in fields other than Engineering. The chart above shows what they studied.
1,077
1,077 quality control technicians majored in Physics.
Interested in Pursuing a Graduate Degree?
EXPLORE GRADUATE DATA HERE!
IS GRAD SCHOOL NECESSARY FOR YOUR CAREER?
Learn about typical entry-level education requirements for over 800 occupations, reasons you should go to Grad School, reasons you should not go to Grad School, and whether or not you should go to Grad School right after Undergrad.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Employment outlook for graduate-level occupations"
Harvard Business Review: "Should you go to Graduate School?"
The Princeton Review: "Should you go to Grad School right after Undergrad?"
Earnings Outlook for Graduate Students
Current National Average Salary by Degree Level for All Majors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$64.8K Bachelors
$77.8K Masters
$97.9K Doctorate
Log in to Steppingblocks for
national
data.
CONNECT
Visit GSU's
Center for the Advancement of Students and Alumni (CASA)
to learn about career panels, research assistantship programs, pathways to graduate school checklists, and build relationships with GSU alumni.
Physics
Majors Excel After Graduation
AMBER BISHOP '05
General Counsel and Reconstructionist - Weed Reconstruction & Expert Consulting (WREC)
"At Georgia State University Physics department, I was able to develop research and writing skills that served me daily, but I was also taught many soft interpersonal skills. I developed the ability to be extremely resourceful and independent but also be a contributing member of a team. My work ethic was enhanced because the curriculum at Georgia State is quite challenging...
The Physics program encourages diversity and promotes integrity. I'm grateful that I chose physics because I use those scientific skills and knowledge every day while running my business, and I also rely heavily on the interpersonal and soft skills that I was encouraged to develop. The bottom line is that a physics degree is going to open doors for you."
"I use those
scientific skills and knowledge
every day while running
my business.
ASHISH PATEL '14
Global Operations and Logistics - Skylight
"The two biggest takeaways from studying physics are my ability to crack problems and see the world through first principles thinking and readily apply strong quantitative skills to any problem or situation. First principles thinking helps me whenever I'm confronted with an engineering or business problem; I instinctually know how to break the problem down into its most fundamental building blocks, making it much easier to analyze and solve...
This training, directly or indirectly, was provided in virtually every physics class. Undergraduate Physics not only teaches you about how nature works fundamentally, but in doing so, it also trains you to apply mathematics and statistics to virtually anything, be it nature, engineering, or business. You can't go wrong with a degree in Physics. It's a versatile degree with much to offer."
"The
quantitative training
at the undergraduate physics was more than sufficient to
rigorously analyze
the situation and provide
reliable insights.
Physics
Studies in the News
Georgia State Astronomy Professor Will Use James Webb Images to Pioneer Extragalactic Research
12 Scientists Reachs to the Webb Telescope's First Images: “A Stunning Achievement”
Research Shows Video Game Players Have Enhanced Brain Activity and Superior Decision-Making Skills
Real shooting stars exist, but they aren’t the streaks you see in a clear night sky
A Star where it shouldn't be
The best studied terrestrial planet outside the Solar System
University Career Services
Your career starts here! Georgia State's University Career Services is here to help you with career coaching, mentoring, workshops, and events on all our campuses. Check out their calendar, list of services here at
career.gsu.edu
LOOKING FOR A JOB OR INTERNSHIP?
Center for the Advancement of Students and Alumni
Are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree? The
CASA
is a campus hub of faculty, staff, and students helping to make PhD programs, medical school, and law school accessible to all students with an interest and motivation to pursue these paths.
University Advisement Center
Want to know more about the course scheduling, program, and degree requirements for this and other majors? The
UAC
is here to assist you in charting your path.
Are you looking for more information?
Contact
College to Career
Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Success
[email protected]
Recruiters
Click on the link below to find out how Georgia State University can help you reach your recruiting goals:
[email protected]
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