Why Study Physics?

Pursuing a degree in physics can be the first step towards a variety of career opportunities

The study of physics leads to a unique and effective approach to problem solving which many employers value when looking for potential candidates. A degree in physics provides the foundation for many other sciences such as chemistry, oceanography, seismology, astronomy, and can also be applied to biological and medical sciences. At most, physics is crucial in helping to explore the world around, inside, and beyond our understanding.

Physics students are inventive thinkers.

This provides the context in which many students go on to pursue careers in fields such as journalism, law, finance, medicine, engineering, computer science, and biology.

Nationwide, nearly half of all physics graduates work in an industrial firm, a government laboratory or research centers, or teach at a secondary education or two-year collegiate institution.  Trends also show that the remainder of students will go on to pursue graduate level education in other fields such as engineering, applied physics, medicine, etc.

Physics graduates from the University of Pittsburgh have gone on to establish lucrative careers in a number of areas within academia, industry and government. Recent graduates are currently practicing law, serving in advocacy positions within the government, and working for companies such as Intel, Black and Decker, and Epic. In addition, physics graduates have continued their education by attending graduate programs at top institutions, such as Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia.

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Data Courtesy of the AIP Statistical Research Center