Employers Value Physics Majors
Physics is the study of how things work at the most fundamental level. These principles are then applied to understand all manner of things and processes in our universe. Physics examines the world from the most basic particles such as quarks and gluons, to collections of atoms such as semiconductors and the devices made with them, and up to the largest objects that exist such as stars, black holes, and galaxies. Not only does studying physics and astronomy give a command of the fundamental principles that describe the universe, but it also develops strong critical and analytical thinking and the problem-solving, mathematical, and computational tools to apply those principles.
A physics major at GSU (Georgia State University) may choose one of the eight concentrations based on the interest with an opportunity to select a research project in a broad range from subatomic and nuclear levels to the formation and evolution of active galaxies.
Across the nation, the top three employers for Physics majors are Google, Intel, and NASA.
57% of Physics majors working at NASA have a doctorate degree.
Matlab is a top skill for Physics majors.
The average salary for Physics majors is $102k.
Nationally, 16.5% of all Physics majors live in California.
The top job titles for GSU Physics majors are software engineer and data scientist.
GSU Physics majors who are skilled in optics and interferometry have higher salary outcomes.
The most relevant skills for GSU Physics majors are observational astronomy and astrophysics.
74% of GSU Physics majors are male.
10.9% of GSU Physics majors work in education.
Major Stories
PHYSICS FACULTY HELP STUDENTS WRITE THEIR SUCCESS STORIES.
Dr. Brian Thoms discusses GSU's exciting Physics program.
Dr. Perera discusses his research and how it helps students advance their careers.
A Physics professor gives insight about undergraduate study in the GSU Physics department.
A Physics alum shares how her Physics education at GSU advances her current career.
A Physics alum discusses how his education and experience with Physics at GSU helps him in his career.
- Physics: Intro
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Dr. Brian Thoms discusses GSU's exciting Physics program.
- Faculty Spotlight Unil Perera
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Dr. Perera discusses his research and how it helps students advance their careers.
- Faculty Spotlight Dr. Crenshaw
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A Physics professor gives insight about undergraduate study in the GSU Physics department.
- Alum Amber Bishop
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A Physics alum shares how her Physics education at GSU advances her current career.
- Alum Ashish Patel
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A Physics alum discusses how his education and experience with Physics at GSU helps him in his career.
Your Degree at Work
HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE EMPLOYMENT FIELDS OF GSU STUDENTS WITH A PHYSICS DEGREE.
INDUSTRY
AVG. SALARY
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
COMMON JOB TITLES
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
INDUSTRY
AVG. SALARY
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
COMMON JOB TITLES
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
INDUSTRY
AVG. SALARY
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
COMMON JOB TITLES
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
INDUSTRY
AVG. SALARY
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
COMMON JOB TITLES
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
INDUSTRY
AVG. SALARY
AVG. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
COMMON JOB TITLES
WHY HIRE PHYSICS MAJORS FOR THIS FIELD? THEY'VE GOT SKILLS!
TAKE A LOOK AT THE CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMING AVAILABLE TO PHYSICS MAJORS.
Professionalism
Communication
Career/
Self Development
Equity/
Inclusion
Critical Thinking
Teamwork
Technology
Leadership
Your Career Starts Here
TOP EMPLOYERS OF GSU PHYSICS GRADS AND AVERAGE SALARY
WHAT DOES A CAREER PATH LOOK LIKE FOR A PHYSICS MAJOR?
Career paths are often full of twists and turns. They are rarely straight lines. Watch the following video tutorial to learn how to explore the career paths of GSU alumni who after graduating with a degree in this major pursued their interests and passions rather than a specific job title:
MUSEUM CURATOR
71%
About 71% of 702 people working as museum curators majored in fields other than History. The chart above shows what they studied.
29
29 museum curators majored in Physics.
MEDICAL RESEARCHER
74%
Around 74% of 554 medical researchers majored in fields other than Health Care. The chart above shows what they studied.
24
24 medical researchers majored in Physics.
QUALITY CONTROL TECH
83%
About 83% of 9,017 quality control technicians majored in fields other than Engineering. The chart above shows what they studied.
1,077
1,077 quality control technicians majored in Physics.
IS GRAD SCHOOL NECESSARY FOR YOUR CAREER?
Learn about typical entry-level education requirements for over 800 occupations, reasons you should go to Grad School, reasons you should not go to Grad School, and whether or not you should go to Grad School right after Undergrad.
General Counsel and Reconstructionist - Weed Reconstruction & Expert Consulting (WREC)
"At Georgia State University Physics department, I was able to develop research and writing skills that served me daily, but I was also taught many soft interpersonal skills. I developed the ability to be extremely resourceful and independent but also be a contributing member of a team. My work ethic was enhanced because the curriculum at Georgia State is quite challenging...
The Physics program encourages diversity and promotes integrity. I'm grateful that I chose physics because I use those scientific skills and knowledge every day while running my business, and I also rely heavily on the interpersonal and soft skills that I was encouraged to develop. The bottom line is that a physics degree is going to open doors for you."
Global Operations and Logistics - Skylight
"The two biggest takeaways from studying physics are my ability to crack problems and see the world through first principles thinking and readily apply strong quantitative skills to any problem or situation. First principles thinking helps me whenever I'm confronted with an engineering or business problem; I instinctually know how to break the problem down into its most fundamental building blocks, making it much easier to analyze and solve...
This training, directly or indirectly, was provided in virtually every physics class. Undergraduate Physics not only teaches you about how nature works fundamentally, but in doing so, it also trains you to apply mathematics and statistics to virtually anything, be it nature, engineering, or business. You can't go wrong with a degree in Physics. It's a versatile degree with much to offer."
University Career Services
Center for the Advancement of Students and Alumni
Are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree? The CASA is a campus hub of faculty, staff, and students helping to make PhD programs, medical school, and law school accessible to all students with an interest and motivation to pursue these paths.
University Advisement Center
Want to know more about the course scheduling, program, and degree requirements for this and other majors? The UAC is here to assist you in charting your path.
Are you looking for more information?
Contact
College to Career
Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Success
Recruiters
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