Career Opportunities

Physics students tend to want to know how nature fundamentally works, and enjoy thinking about big problems and asking questions. 

A physics education emphasizes problem solving, abstract reasoning, and critical thinking, and develops laboratory and mathematical analytical skills. This training makes physics graduates valuable employees and attractive applicants for master's and doctoral programs. Among the many paths to follow:

• Engineering: Pursue aeronautical, civil, chemical, electrical, financial, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, and other engineering fields. (Learn about Albion's dual-degree engineering program.)

• Professional Physicist: Work in industry (e.g. semiconductors, transportation, materials, energy, lasers, etc.), national laboratory research, university research, astronomy, aerospace, military, environmental science, computer science, technical writing, and many other areas.

• Graduate School: Continue your studies and obtain an M.S. or Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or engineering

• Professional School: Rely on your physics background in medicine, dentistry, law, public policy, and education.

Physics graduates are highly prized candidates for medical school or dental school if they also have "pre-medical" training in biology, chemistry, and related areas. Employment data for physicists with masters or doctoral degrees is available from the American Institute of Physics (AIP).

Additional career guidance for high school and undergraduate students can be found at Physics.org. Albion students and alumni are also encouraged to explore the resources available through the College's Office of Career Development.