Careers for Physics Majors

A degree in physics can lead to employment in design and development work in private industry or in large, government laboratories. With their broad education in fundamental physical concepts, physicists often work closely with engineers who have more specific design-oriented training. Those who complete a Ph.D. degree in physics may be involved in the basic research of unanswered questions in science, or may contribute to the development of new, advanced technologies.

Physics graduates from PLU often pursue employment directly after graduation. Past graduates have found successful careers with Northwest companies such as Boeing, Boise-Cascade, Hewlett-Packard, INTEL, Microsoft, Weyerhaeuser, Tektronix, Westinghouse-Hanford, Immunex, STI Optronics, Lockheed-Martin, and Seattle Milliman Healthcare Actuarial Consulting.

Some common job titles for physics majors include:

What else can you do with a physics degree?

See the Society of Physics Students (SPS) website for more information or visit the American Physical Society (APS) Job Board for current listings.