What Can I Do With a Major In Physics?
UGA Specific Information for Physics
A branch of the physical sciences, physics is the study of energy and the behavior of single atoms and their component pieces. Physicists consider themselves the most fundamental of scientists for they examine the basic laws of our universe and apply these laws to explain the behavior of increasingly more complex systems. The same underlying principle describes the behavior of atoms, lasers, living cells, and galaxies. Physicists seek to study and understand what happens when atoms and subatomic particles break down and assemble, how they react to collisions with each other and to electro- magnetic radiation, so it is at the base of all modern science and technology, and even at an elementary level this fundamental nature can be appreciated.
Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Physics*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
Find additional clubs and organizations here.
Connect with your Career Consultant.
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations
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Finding Research:
- On-Campus: use the UGA Career Guide for templates and guidance on reaching out to faculty to gain research experience, the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) at UGA can also support you in finding research opportunities.
- Off-Campus: Research Experiences for Undergraduates offered through the National Science Foundation and ORISE Fellowships offered through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education are great options. The Career Center can help you prepare your materials for research fellowship applications. You can also search for research internships and full and part-time positions in Handshake.
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Pre-Health Students: The UGA Career Center offers support specifically for you through Pre-Health Appointments, which can be scheduled through Handshake. The Career Center can help you:
- explore roles in healthcare
- prepare application materials
- prepare for interviews
- navigate growth years.
You can self-enroll in our Career Development Resources eLC for Pre-Health Students for helpful information that you can access from anywhere at any point. If you have questions specifically about GPA, application walkthroughs, and prerequisite course requirements for professional programs, schedule an appointment with the Pre-Professional Advising Office.
Additional Career Research Resources
- O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.
- My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.
- Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.
- Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.
- UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.
- Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance.
- Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.
- Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.
Employment Websites
General
- Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)
- LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!)
- Idealist (non-profit jobs)
- USAJobs (federal jobs)
- Physics Today
- American Physical Society Careers/Employment Information
- International Astronomical Union
- Job Boards and Career Resources Compiled by the UGA Physics & Astronomy Department
- The American Astronomical Society (AAS)
- National Optical Astronomy Observatory
- Physics and Astronomy Job Hunting Resources
- PhysNet
Professional Associations/Resources
- American Astronomical Society
- American Institute of Physics (AIP)
- Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
- International Astronomical Union
- Nat. Academy of Sci. Board on Physics and Astronomy
- American Physical Society (APS)
- American Journal of Physics
Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.
Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Physics majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Employer | Position Title(s) |
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Dental College of Georgia | Senior Dental Assistant | Hatched | Junior Software Engineer | University of Georgia | Research Affiliate |
Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Physics majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Graduate School | Program(s) |
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