Why Major in Physics?
There are various reasons to major in physics, so many that it is difficult to summarize them concisely on a web page. There are also many issues to consider when thinking about a major in physics. This page is intended to familiarize you with these reasons and issues but we also strongly recommend that you talk with one of the professors in physics since we cannot cover all the bases on a single page. You should also see Robert Ehrlich's article "Why Would Anyone Major in Physics," Physics Today 50, 59 (May, 1997). (Some of the following information is from that article.)
Is physics right for me?
Physics might be for you answer yes to any of the following questions:
- Am I interested in discovering how things work?
- Am I more interested in discovering how the same idea can explain a variety of different devices or problems rather than just a single one?
- Am I more interested in finding exact quantitiative explanations rather than being satisfied with generalities?
Why would I want to major in physics?
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It's interesting and exciting! Physics truly is one of the most exciting and interesting subjects one can study. Discoveries from physics have revolutionized the world and will certainly continue to do so. The area of physics cover such intriguing topics as lasers, superconductors, black holes, quantum mechanics, big bang theory, relativity, and the list goes on and on. It also covers more basic but still fascinating topics such as why the sky is blue, why sunsets are red, and why ice floats. In short, physicists are explorers trying to understand the world around them. According to a recent American Institute of Physics' (AIP) report, the majority of students major in physics for shear enjoyment and 86% of the alumni report that they would major in physics again if they had it to do over.
For some of the recent exciting news in physics see Physics News Graphics or AIP's Bulletin of Physics News. -
It's a versatile major. Physics is sometimes referred to as the "liberal arts" degree of technology because physics majors can go on to careers in computer science, engineering, research and development, and biology. (See What physics majors do.) Others have referred to it as the "Swiss Army Knife" degree because of all the skills you acquire from a major in physics.
In short, a major in physics is a way to keep your options open. As one of our alumni put it, "My degree has also not classified me -- at work I am not pointed to as being the 'design guy' or the 'electrical guy' or the 'software guy.' I'm someone who can change hats for whatever problem needs to be solved. I feel as if my degree can help backup the flexibility that I've always wanted in a work environment." - Achieve deeper understanding. The physicist's approach to problem solving is to first understand the problem and the concepts. This allows a more efficient solution than the "quick-fix".
- Smaller class size. The physics department graduates about 10 majors each year which means that there are an average of only 10 students in each physics majors course. This means more attention for you. It is also worthwhile to point out that many physics professors have won the WPI Teacher of the Year award including Tom Keil, Ram Ram-Mohan, Steve Jasperson, Van Bluemel (Emeritus), Hal Hilsinger (Emeritus), and Bob Long (Emeritus).
- The Physics reputation. Physics majors have a reputation for solid mathematical skills, strong problem solving ability, and good work ethic. It is these fundamental skills that allows them to work successfully in so many different areas.
- Good Salaries! Physics majors are near the top in terms of average salary. According to a 1993 survey [Physics Today 49, 52 (June, 1996)], the top 10 professions and salaries are:
| Engineering | $53,386 |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | $51,584 |
| Computer/info science | $50,509 |
| Pharmacy | $50,480 |
| Physics | $50,128 |
| Accounting | $49,500 |
| Economics | $49,377 |
| Engineering technology | $45,799 |
| Chemistry | $44,989 |
| Business | $44,865 |
(This was based on median salaries of males between the ages of 35 and 44 who are in the labor force with a bachelor's, but not higher, degree.)
For more information...
- See quotes from WPI physics alumni about the relevance of a physics major.
- Find out what physics majors do after they graduate...
- See the American Institute of Physics Career Services page.
- Read the American Institute of Physics' list of Physics Success Stories.
- See Georgetown University's Physics FAQ.
- See the career advice of 1980 WPI physics alumnus Lou Palecki in his colloquium entitled "A Physicist in the Engineer's World: One Physicist's Path" (PDF).
Last modified: November 08, 2007 09:17:48