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  Career Services Center
University of Delaware
401 Academy Street
Newark, DE 19716
Phone: 302.831.2392
Fax: 302.831.1452
udcareers@udel.edu

Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm
Wed: 8am to 7pm
Major Resource Kit

Physics

Physics deals with the properties and laws of matter, motion, heat, light and electricity to develop a quantitative understanding of the physical world. In addition to expanding our knowledge about the universe we live in, research in physics has led to the development of many devices for the benefit of mankind.

As a basic science, the results of research in physics have also had an impact on a wide variety of other fields, such as medicine, engineering, chemistry, ecology and archaeology. Because of the varied applications of physics in various careers, a flexible degree program is offered.

Many physics graduates continue study in graduate school, after which they may work as professional physicists in industry, universities or government laboratories.

For those interested in careers in research or industrial science, astronomy, meteorology, marine sciences, biophysics, geophysics or the health sciences, the B.S. degree provides a good background for employment as lab technicians, field researchers and production assistants or for graduate study. A large fraction of Delaware's bachelor of science graduates continue their education in these or related areas such as mathematics, engineering or chemistry.

Students who desire a general background in physics as a foundation for careers in medicine, law or business may pursue the B.A. degree, which allows for the study of courses in other disciplines.

The department of 33 faculty members provides a complete undergraduate program covering all aspects of physics through course and laboratory work. Most students in their junior or senior years enter a research participation program. Students who have mathematical ability and have a strong analytical or experimental bent, who enjoy working with mechanical, optical and electronic equipment can be successful in the study of physics.

If you are interested in finding out more about physics, contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy, 217 Sharp Laboratory, or call 831-8116.

Sample Job Titles

Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level Further Education/Experience Often Required
*test engineer *mathematician
*process engineer *aerodynamist
*meteorologist *physicist
*industrial hygienist *physics researcher
*technical writer *astronomer
*computer systems engineer *astrophysicist

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 14 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

- Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Alumni Mentor Network.
- Sample UD Field Experiences: Applied Physics Laboratory- Johns Hopkins University, National Optical Astronomy Observatories, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Some Employers of Physics Majors

*utility companies
*state/federal government
*colleges/universities
*weather bureaus
*hospitals
*airports
*professional and technical journals
*business and industry
*mining and petroleum 

Other Sources of Information

Vault Online Career Library
(provides extensive information about careers and companies/organizations; log in via Blue Hen Jobs) American Astronomical Society www.aas.org American Institute of Physics www.aip.org American Physical Society www.aps.org PhDs.org www.phds.org Physics Jobs http://physicsworld.com/cws/jobs PhysicsWorld.com http://physicsworld.com/cws/home Science Careers http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/ The Riley Guide www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials Available
  • Blue Hen Jobs -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
  • The Guide to Internet Job Searching (CS 280)
  • Cyberspace Job Search Kit (CS 285)
  • Career Opportunities in Science (CSE 455)
  • Careers in Science (CSE 455.5)
  • Careers for Scientific Types & Others With Inquiring Minds (CSE 457)
  • Put Your Science to Work (CSE 468)
  • From Biotech to Hollywood: New Career Opportunities in Technology (CSE 497)
  • Internet Jobs! (CSE 498)
  • Careers in Focus - Computer & Video Game Design (CSE 499)
  • Information Technology Careers (CSE 500)
  • Careers for Computer Buffs & Other Technological Types (CSE 503)
  • Career Opportunities in Computers and Cyberspace (CSE 504)
  • Top 100 Computer and Technical Careers (CSE 507)
  • Careers in Focus - Mathematics & Physics (CSE 545)
  • Careers for Number Crunchers & Other Quantitative Types (CSE 547)
  • Graduate Programs in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, the Environment & Natural Resources (GS 30)
  • National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) Annual , Vol. 2
  • www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Graduate School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.


Last updated: October 22, 2009 (CH)