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Academic Advising
What Can I Do With a Major in Physics and Engineering Physics?
Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature and their applications to everything from subatomic particles to galaxies. Typical subjects of study include atomic and molecular physics, lasers and optics, electricity and magnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical physics, biophysics, and materials physics. Technical and theoretical developments in fields such as medicine, engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, ecology, geology, biology, and chemistry evolve from physics research. Specific examples of technology developed by physicists include transistors, microprocessors, lasers, carbon nanotubes, and magnetic resonance imaging. The degrees offered in the Department of Physics include a Bachelor of Science in physics, which maximizes course work in science and mathematics, a Bachelor of Arts in physics, which encourages a broad liberal education (often students working towards this degree desire teacher certification), and a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering physics, which allows students to combine their physics studies with significant course work in engineering. Engineering physics students may also elect to participate in the 3-2 engineering program wherein students earn both a Miami degree and a professional engineering degree from another institution. A minor in physics is also available.
Interests
An interest in learning about our physical environment, synthesizing and summarizing experimental data, designing projects, and working with electronic, optical, and computational equipment.
Competencies
- Mathematical Problem Solving
- Performing calculations
Mathematical modeling
Clarifying problems and comparing factors
Solving quantitative problems - Communication
- Developing and writing research proposals
Reviewing relevant literature
Summarizing research findings
Organizing and presenting data
Informing/explaining/instructing
Preparing technical reports - Research
- Theory development
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Designing research projects
Organizing ideas/materials
Defining/developing/generating ideas
Experimenting with ideas/procedures/projects
Adapting ideas
Seeing relationships between factors
Gathering/analyzing/evaluating data - Technical
- Using computer technology
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical
and optical equipment
Developing computer interfacing
Opportunities - Careers
- Physics
- Physicist
— Acoustics
— Astrophysics
— Atomic/Molecular
— Biophysics
— Chemical
— Computational
— Condensed matter
— Fluid
— Nuclear
— Optics
— Particles and fields
— Polymer
— Plasma - Physics/Computer Science
- Systems analyst
Applications programmer
Systems support representative - Physics/Engineering
- Acoustical
Aeronautical
Biomedical
Computer
Electrical
Environmental
Industrial
Mechanical
Nuclear - Physics/Biology
- Biomedical technician
Biophysicist
Health physicist
Medical physicist
Physician - Physics/Geology/Oceanography
- Geophysical surveyor
Marine geophysicist
Meteorologist
Oceanographer
Seismic observer - Related Fields
- Congressional researcher
Educational television producer
High school teacher
Instrument technician
Laser technician
Mathematician
Operations manager
Research technician
Sales representative — technical products
Science journalist
Technical librarian
Technical writer
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Opportunities for graduate study include such fields as physics, mathematics, astrophysics, biophysics, space science, geophysics, engineering (nuclear, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, optical, etc.), oceanography, business administration, law, and medicine.
Opportunities - Experiential
Independent study or research with a faculty member in an area of special interest, and involvement with the Astronomy Club and the Society of Physics Students organizations.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Physics (133 Culler Hall, 529-5625)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.