Physics Is About Asking “Why”
Physicists are driven by the deep questions:
Why does gravity exist?
Why can’t we simply turn off gravity like we do electricity—allowing us to launch rockets with less fuel or construct larger buildings?
Why can’t we travel back in time?
Why is there more matter than antimatter in the universe?
Why are some cancers resistant to radiation, while others are not?
What is dark matter—and why does it seem to fill the universe without interacting with light?
In their quest to answer these “Why” questions, physicists have made discoveries that transformed science, technology, and society. Their work led to the creation of groundbreaking technologies such as the integrated circuit, the transistor, the laser, MRI machines, X-ray imaging, and the scanning electron microscope (SEM), among many others.
But physics is more than its inventions. It’s a way of thinking. Physics majors develop powerful skills—like programming, mathematical modeling, logical reasoning, creativity, and advanced problem-solving—that are highly valued across countless fields.
If you’re curious, love solving puzzles, and want to understand how the universe really works, physics might just be the perfect major for you.
Careers
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, mathematics, and scientific reasoning—skills that are in high demand across many high-paying fields. While physics majors often pursue advanced degrees, the analytical training offered at the undergraduate level alone opens doors to a wide variety of lucrative career paths.
Here are some fields where a B.S. in Physics is excellent preparation, including many that align with the top 20 highest paying occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
🔬 Medicine and Healthcare
Physics majors perform exceptionally well on the MCAT, making them competitive applicants for:
- Physicians and Surgeons (#1 highest paying occupation)
- Radiologists
- Anesthesiologists
- Medical Physicists
- Biomedical Researchers
💻 Technology and Computer Science
Physics involves significant computational and mathematical training, making it a strong precursor for:
- Computer and Information Research Scientists (Top 10 BLS occupation)
- Software Developers
- Machine Learning Engineers
- Data Scientists
- Cybersecurity Analysts
🧮 Engineering
Many physics grads transition easily into engineering roles, especially after a master’s or certification:
- Aerospace Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Nuclear Engineers (among the top-paying engineering fields)
💼 Finance and Quantitative Fields
Physics majors’ mathematical modeling skills are prized in finance:
- Quantitative Analysts (Quants)
- Actuaries
- Investment Analysts
- Risk Managers
- Financial Engineers
🚀 Research and Development
Core physics careers in R&D often rank among the highest paid:
- Physicists (Ranked #19 by BLS)
- Materials Scientists
- Optical Scientists
- Plasma Physicists
- Research Scientists (Government & Private Sector)
🎓 Academia and Education
While not always among the highest-paying, this is a rewarding path for many:
- University Professors (Physics professors at research institutions often have high salaries)
- Science Communicators and Writers
- STEM Curriculum Developers
🛰️ Government and Defense
Many government agencies value physics training, such as:
- National Laboratories (e.g., Los Alamos, Sandia)
- NASA
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Intelligence Agencies (e.g., NSA, CIA – technical roles)
Tarleton Physics Program Activities
- Spring 2018 Joint Meeting of Texas Sections of AAPT, APS, and SPS Zone 13
- Physics Student Represents Tarleton of Austin of Texas Undergraduate Research Day
- Tarleton SPS on Spring Demo Show TOUR
- 2019 Tarleton Physics and Astronomy Camp June 16 to June 29
- Tarleton Physics and Astronomy Camp Facebook Page
- Physics Program Assessment Forms
- AP Physics B Website