Physics emphasizes practical applications as well as problem solving and abstract thinking, and graduates are highly sought-after for careers in medicine, engineering, chemistry, ecology and the military. They work in laboratories, orbit the Earth, explore ocean depths and develop instruments to diagnose and treat disease. Physicists were instrumental in scores of pivotal discoveries and inventions: X-rays; DNA’s double helix structure; the electron microscope; wireless communications; cleaner and more efficient fuels, lasers; PET, MRI and CT scans; and the World Wide Web.
Explore Careers in Physics
Learn more about the many career paths available to students with a physics degree and explore what physicists do in different fields.
See examples of the fields some of our physics graduates have gone into.
Government
- Media Relations, NASA
- Research Scientist, Argonne National Laboratory
- Optical Engineer, NASA/JPL
Software Development
- Software Engineer, Wolfram Research
- Product Development, MATLAB Inc.
- C++ Developer, Sterling Trader Inc.
- Software Engineer, Ameritrade
Military
- Intelligence Officer, Department of Defense
- Navy Officer, U.S. Navy
- Program Manager, DARPA
Medicine
- Medical Physicist, University of Michigan
- Medical Physicist, Mayo Clinic
Industry
- Geophysicist, PGS Geophysical
- Laboratory Technician, Arthur Daniels Midland
- Energy Specialist, Loeb Electric
- Acoustical Consultant, JE Acoustics
- Actuarial Analyst, American Modern Insurance
- Director, Quad City Manufacturing Lab
Find Jobs and Internships
Search for employment, internship and other professional opportunities in physics and related fields.
- Physics Today Jobs: Search current job listings in physics and related fields.
- NIU Career Services: Jobs and Internships: Search for jobs and internships, connect with employers, schedule interviews and access other career resources through NIU.
- APS Job Search: Search for jobs and explore career opportunities in academia, industry, national laboratories and other fields.
Prepare for Your Career
Build the skills and connections you need to pursue your career goals.
- NIU Career Services: Get help with resumes, interviews, career planning, career fairs and connecting with employers.
- APS Career Resources: Access career guidance, skills assessments and resources for exploring career options.
- APS IMPACT: Connect with industry mentors and learn about careers outside of academia.