Student Opportunities - Career Opportunities
Physics is everywhere in our daily lives. Physics is why boomerangs return, waves crash on the beach, and soda fizzes. Physics is the master science spawning all other physical and applied sciences, with the universe as a laboratory.
What do physicists do?
Many physicists work in laboratories for universities, government or private institutions. These are the people pursuing research and development in many areas. Other physicists are in the classroom teaching others the wonders of our physical world. Are you interested in becoming a high school physics teacher? If so there are several different paths to take depending on your background and interest.
Option 1: Major in Secondary Education and take physics electives.
Option 2: Double Major in Physics and Secondary Education.
For questions regarding the Secondary Education major contact Prof. Herman Weller.
Option 3: Major in Physics and then obtain a teaching credential in your fifth year by completing the one-year Masters of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT).
For specific questions regarding teacher certification contact Maxine Harrow.
For specific opportunities within the physics department to participate in research in physics education or participate in our peer instructor program:
• attend physics education seminars
• contact Prof. Michael Wittmann
• visit the Physics Education Research Laboratory Web site
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Where do physicists work?
Physics is the exploration of the unknown, trying to anticipate the unexpected. Physicists just like to ask why. For example, "Why did the universe form?"
Here is sampling of some unexpected uses of your physics degree:
- Evaluating risk-return-market impact financial models on Wall Street.
- Developing new golf ball dimple patterns and researching the subjective properties of sporting equipment.
- Improving pattern-recognition software used in fingerprint identification for the FBI.
- Creating cursive handwriting recognition software for the Census Bureau.
- Researching the electrical signals in the brain and nervous system, looking for patterns of use.
- Applying wavelet theory to oceanography to predict climate behaviors.
- Creating models for advanced data transmission (satellite, email, Web).
- Designing acoustical and amplification structures for concert halls.
- Engineering equipment to reduce drag and increase traction for NASCAR.
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