Physics

What Can I Do With This Discipline/Major?

For helpful resources on your career opportunities, explore the “What Can I Do with This Major” guides for physics.

Some common career titles for this major include:

  • Aerospace Engineers
  • Biochemists and Biophysicists
  • Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • Computer Programmers
  • Health and Safety Inspectors
  • High School Teachers
  • Nuclear Technicians
  • Physicists and Astronomers
  • Postsecondary Teachers
  • Radiologic Technologists

Other Job Titles:

  • Laser Engineer
  • Materials Scientist
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Optical Engineer
  • Particle Physicist
  • Photo-optics Technician
  • Physical Scientist
  • Radar Project Manager
  • Research Analyst
  • Satellite Engineer
  • Science Journalist
  • Solar Energy Physicist
  • Sound Engineer

For additional career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Additional Resources

Careers in Physics

Internships and Research Opportunities

Getting applied experience in your field is critical. The following resources will allow you to learn more about your department’s opportunities and process, as well introduce you to other major-specific internship posting resources. For information and support finding and receiving an internship in your major, contact your department's internship coordinator.

Research/Internship Opportunities:

Careers and Jobs

The resources below are a starting point for your job search. In addition to making use of the Internet to do research, we encourage you to talk to people in the fields you are interested in (don’t forget to use TU’s Tiger Mentor Network) to learn more about specific opportunities and organizations.

Sample Resumes and Interview Questions

For major specific resume samples, we encourage you to look at the Sample Physics Resume (PDF) in addition to our Sample Resume Database.

Below are sample interview questions for your field. In preparing for the interview, you’ll also want to review common interview questions (PDF) asked of all majors, thoroughly research the organization, dress professionally, and visit the interview skills section of the Career Center’s website. You can practice your interview skills online via Big Interview or schedule a mock interview with a Career Center staff member.

Interview Questions

  • What is the proper formula used to calculate acceleration?
  • What are wave fronts?
  • What are the steps to the scientific notation?
  • What area of physics interests you the most? Why?
  • Aside from classroom texts and experience, what journals or professional articles are you currently reading for professional development?
  • Give us an example of when you used good judgment and logic to solve a problem.
  • There are plenty of times where you will be on a strict deadline to submit proposals for grant money or to complete an experiment. How would you describe your time management and organization skills?
  • How does a spectrometer work and what are its applications?
  • What is polarization?
  • What is constructive and destructive interference?
  • Would you consider analyzing data or information a strength? How so?
  • Describe research you have conducted.
  • What relevant earth-space science/physics experience do you have?
  • How would you calculate an orbit at a given altitude?

Professional Associations

Professional associations offer many benefits to students, often including reduced-price membership, mentorship programs, “careers in…” information, job and internship listings, field-related conferences and publications, and much more. Be sure to check out sections on the associations’ websites related to students, education, careers, etc.

Related TU Student Organizations

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