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Careers

General Information

Briefly defined, physics is the science that tries to understand the laws of nature and the relationship between energy and matter. However, it might be more appropriate to define physics as a way of thinking rather than as a profession. The field of physics trains students to take a logical, problem-solving approach in whatever situations they might find themselves. Physics students explore concepts and methods of science that can be applied in many different professional areas and research topics. Physics deals with everything from subatomic particles to black holes and the overall structure of the universe. Physicists use mathematical formulas to try to explain their theories and make predictions. Physicists investigate many of the latest discoveries such as massive neutrinos, blue semiconductor lasers, high temperature superconductors, black holes, and our expanding universe. Options at UCCS include: Traditional Physics; Energy Science; Solid State

Career Possibilities

  • * Physicist
  • * Astronomer
  • Test Engineer
  • * Science Journalist
  • * Professor / Teacher / Educator
  • * Nuclear Physicist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • * Geophysicist
  • Energy Industry / Oil Exploration
  • * Atmospheric Scientist
  • Technical Consultant
  • * Hydrologist
  • * Patent Agent
  • *Computer Science
  • * May require further education or certification

Interested in becoming a secondary school Physics Teacher?

Colorado Statistics

  • 2013 Annual median salary for Physicists is $86,500; employment is expected to grow 13% by 2020.
  • 2013 Annual median salary for Atmospheric Scientists is $92,500; employment is expected to grow 15% by 2020.
  • 2013 Annual median salary for Hydrologists is $89,100; employment is expected to grow 10% by 2020.
  • 2013 Annual median salary for Geoscientists is $100,300; employment is expected to grow 40% by 2020.

For More Information

Sources

For more information contact T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center

(719) 255-3340