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PHYSICS & APPLIED PHYSICS INFORMATION

FOR

Texas A&M University-Commerce

What is Physics?

              Albert Einstein once said "The world stands before us as a great, external riddle".  Finding the solution to that puzzle is what physics is all about.  Physicists study the physical world to satisfy their curiosity and in the process develop numerous skills and knowledge useful to themselves and the world.  It is difficult to name a modern convenience that cannot be traced to original work done by physicists or utilizing instrumentation developed from such work.  However, the pure physicist is not overly concerned with the immediate application of the knowledge that he/she acquires in studying the physical world.  Examples include electrical devices of all kinds from TVs to computers to electric cars:  Mechanical devices like automobiles, trains, elevators, etc. and almost any device that uses energy.

What is Applied Physics?  How does it relate to Engineering

                As you might gather, applied physics takes physics principles and attempts to utilize them in some product or service that will benefit mankind.  If this sounds a lot like engineering, it is, except engineers tend to be more narrow in their interests and might limit their training to more specialized fields such as electronics, or structures, or …  In applied physics you spend more time on the basics and thus are able to follow the trail of discovery through more twists and turns.  You are able to make contributions in a wider range of areas.   You still have specialties, but you are knowledgeable in all of the basics and are more adaptable as opportunities emerge over time.

 What do Physics Graduates do for Work?

                 At this time, job opportunities in both the pure and applied physics areas are excellent.  The applied physics graduate is more likely to enter into the industrial work force and the pure physics major is more likely to enter into a research environment at a government lab or at a university.  Historically, engineers and applied physics graduates have more opportunities but have more competition for those opportunities.  Surveys of recent physics graduates show the following popular professions:

·          Software related employment                      28%

·          Engineering employment                             17%

·          Laboratory Technician                                  10%

·          Management, Owner and Finance             19%

·          Education (Teacher or other)                      12%

·          Military and other                                         14%

How do Physics Graduates Salaries Compare?

                Average salaries offered to physics graduates are competitive.  A few  starting salaries offered by recruiters in 2000 are given below.

·          Computer Engineers                                     $50,200

·          Physics                                                          $42,500

·          Political Science                                            $32,400

·          Life Sciences                                                  $29,100

·        Psychology                                                    $28,800

 

What Should I Take Now to Prepare for Physics in College?

                Mathematics is the gateway to advanced study in physics and engineering.  It is the single most important subject that has historically predicted success in these areas.  Of course, you should take as much science as you can and be sure to include as much physics and chemistry as is offered at your school.

 Do Physics Majors do Research as Undergraduates?        Absolutely YES

 

 Do You have Scholarships for Physics Majors?

   There are only a few true scholarships reserved for physics majors but have a number of opportunities for undergraduate assistantships (jobs within the department).