Bachelor of Science: Physics Tracks: Engineering, Engineering Technology and Astronomy Minor: Physics Physics is the study of the laws of nature including mechanics, sound, electricity and magnetisms, optics, heat, and quantum theory. The Bachelor of Science program at Kutztown offers three tracks: Physics, Physics-Engineering Physics, and Physics-Astronomy. Courses in these programs include Heat and Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Optics, Mathematical Physics, and Electricity and Magnetism. Additionally, Physics students have access to an on-campus observatory, planetarium and physics laboratories for course work and research projects.
A degree in Physics is ideal for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in physics, engineering, or related fields and/or careers in manufacturing, technology, and applied research.
Career types associated with Physics Common interests of Physics majors (Is this a good fit for you? Are you…) • Completing puzzles or playing games of strategy Investigative -“Thinker” • Troubleshooting or repairing electronic equipment Realistic - “Doer” • Solving logic problems Enterprising - “Leader” • Working with computers • Participating in science or math clubs Related skills, values, and qualities • Reading physics or science publications • Ability to organize, analyze & interpret scientific data • Proficiency in reading, writing, thinking, questioning, analyzing & problem solving • Ability to make critical observations & appropriate decisions For more information about the major Ability to conduct and explain scientific research • Contact the Physical Science Department, 425 • Strong background in mathematics Boehm, 610-683-4447, or visit www.kutztown.edu/ • Aptitude for accuracy and detail Physics • Proficiency with computers
Courses Physics majors typically enjoy KU Majors related to Physics Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, • Computer Programming Mathematics, Secondary Education-Science or Math, Earth Science • Philosophy • Mathematics (Algebra/Trigonometry/Calculus) • Physical Science Investigative students may also be interested in: • Statistics Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Criminal Justice, Economics*, Environmental Science, Geography, German Studies, History, International Studies*, Marine Science, Multicultural Studies*, PA German Studies*, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, and Women’s Studies*
* minor only
For More Information on Physics careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact KU Career Development Center 113 Stratton Administration Center * 610-683-4067 * [email protected] * www.kutztown.edu/careercenter • Enroll in the Career • Meet with CDC career • Enroll in the Career Success Attend your senior kick-off and Exploration Certificate. coach. • Certificate. other info sessions to prepare • Attend info sessions to learn • Attend info sessions to learn • Complete an internship and/or for job search/grad school. about career development about resume writing, and undergraduate research. Update your resume and and personal branding. externships. • • Attend info sessions about LinkedIn profile. • Take a career assessment to • Confirm your choice of major internships, interviewing, job Create cover letter drafts. identify and confirm interests. and consider options for • search strategies, and grad • Gain experience through • Get involved in campus clubs double major or minor. school. and organizations. • Research careers of interest. internships and/or • Build a LinkedIn profile and undergraduate research. • Develop basic workplace skills • Complete a job shadowing continue to monitor your online through jobs or volunteer work. (externship) experience. • Secure references for job/grad presence. school applications. • Talk with professors, family, • Seek meaningful employ- • Complete a mock interview. • Create your “30 second” and friends about career ment or volunteer work in a • Build skills through research ideas. field related to your major. commercial. projects, part-time employment, • Meet with CDC to develop • Conduct informational • Explore options for under- and volunteer work. interviews with professionals graduate research and job search strategies. • Participate in Careers Cafe & • Research employers. working in fields of interest. study abroad. networking programs. • Network with professionals • Develop a relationship with • Write a resume and have it • Attend internship & job fairs. your professors and faculty reviewed by the CDC. through events and social Take on a leadership role in a advisor. • media. • Manage your online student organization or work. presence. • Join a professional organization • Consider graduate school in your discipline. options and prepare for • Attend the senior etiquette admissions tests. dinner. • Participate in job fairs and on-campus interviewing. Sample Career Titles Physics majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles that may be of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training. To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/oco.
•Acoustics Physicist Administrator •Laboratory Technician •Plasma Physicist •Aerodynamist •Laboratory Director •Process Engineer •Aerospace Testing Analyst •Lawyer, Technology Specialty •Project Manager •Astronomer •Mathematician •Radiological •Astrophysicist •Mathematics and Physics Teacher •Research & Development •Atomic Physicist •Medical Physicist •Research Assistant •Biophysicist •Medical Products Designer •Satellite Data Analyst •Cardiac Imaging Researcher •Meteorologist •Satellite Missions Analyst •Chemical Physicist •Molecular Physicist •Science Teacher •Computer Specialist •National Laboratory Research •Science Writer Scientist •Computer System Engineer •Nuclear Magnetic Resonance •Seismologist •Devices Designer Director •Nuclear Physicist •Solid Earth Physicist •Fluids Physicist •Nuclear Power Plant Manager •Solid State Physicist •Geophysicist •Operations Analyst •Stratigrapher •High-Tech Designer, Oil Industry •Physicist •Technical Consultant •Hydrologist •Physics Researcher •Technical Salesperson •Industrial Hygienist •Physics Researcher •Technical Writer •Industrialist Hygienist •Physiognomist •Test Engineer
Common Internship Sites and Employers Physics majors often find internships and employment in the following fields/industries.
• Aerospace Development • Research & Development Firms • Airports • Scientific Publication Companies • Business and Industry • State/Federal Government • High Schools & Higher Education • Utility Companies • Medical Field • Weather Bureaus • Mining and Petroleum
Handshake is the primary online resource for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers. www.kutztown.edu/handshake
Useful Websites for Physics Majors Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join a professional association, these websites are for you!
Industry Information & Job/Internship Professional Associations Search Sites Advanced Laboratory Physics Association Careers in Applied Mathematics http://advlab.org www.siam.org/careers/thinking.php American Association of Physicists in Medicine Careers in Federal Government www.aapm.org www.makingthedifference.org American Astronomical Society Careers in Math http://aas.org www.coolmath.com/careers.htm American Center for Physics DICE http://acp.org www.dice.com American Institute of Physics Institute of Physics www.aip.org www.iop.org American Mathematical Society Math Jobs www.ams.org www.math-jobs.com American Physical Society Physics World www.aps.org http://physicsworld.com Association for Women in Mathematics Science Careers www.awm-math.org http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org International Society of Physics Students Sloan Career Cornerstone Center www.iaps.info www.careercornerstone.org Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics We Use Math in Careers www.siam.org www.weusemath.org Society of Physics Students LinkedIn Job Search www.spsnational.org www.linkedin.com/jobs Building Your Resume for a Career in Physics
Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to hire graduates who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that knowledge.
Learn more about your field and develop the necessary skills for employment by gaining hands-on experience through clinical practice.
Utilize summer breaks to acquire valuable experience via volunteer or employment opportunities related to your major.
Develop professionally through campus involvement and professional memberships. This illustrates responsibility, leadership abilities and time management skills.
For More Information on Physics careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact KU Career Development Center 113 Stratton Administration Center * 610-683-4067 * [email protected] * www.kutztown.edu/careercenter