Physics Careers and Graduate School

A Physics degree equips you with a range of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and communication, which are highly valued across many industries. This flexibility allows you to adapt and thrive in various career paths.

Physics graduates are highly sought after in fields such as technology, data science, finance, consulting, and medical technology. The American Institute of Physics created this informative careers fact sheet  with further details about careers in physics.

Career paths of recent graduates

  • Research: contribute to cutting-edge research at research institutions or government laboratories.
  • Engineering: Many graduates pursue an advanced degree in various engineering fields, such as electrical, mechanical, aerospace, computer, and civil.
  • Law and Policy: Physics graduates who attend law school apply their analytical and problem-solving skills in legal and policy-related careers. They may specialize in areas such as intellectual property law, patent law, or science policy.
  • Medical Field: Some physics graduates continue their education in medical school, combining their passion for physics with an interest in healthcare. They can pursue careers in medical physics, radiology, radiation oncology, or other medical specialties.
  • Teaching: With a passion for physics and a desire to inspire the next generation, some graduates may choose to pursue careers in teaching at the secondary school level or higher education institutions. 

Our physics graduates end up at many top engineering, technology, scientific, and medical companies or at research positions at academic institutions. Logos of companies representing the employment of graduates taken from recent alumni surveys are shown.

Organizations to explore