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Preparation
 Because
most jobs are in basic research and development, a doctoral degree is
the usual educational requirement for physicists and astronomers.
Master's degree holders qualify for some jobs in applied research and
development, whereas bachelor's degree holders often qualify as research
assistants or for other occupations related to physics.
 Education
and Training
A Ph.D. degree in physics or closely related fiends is typically
required for basic research positions, independent research in industry,
faculty positions, and advancement to managerial positions. This
prepares students for a career in research through rigorous training in
theory, methodology, and mathematics. Most physicists specialize in a
subfield during graduate school and continue working in that area
afterwards.
Additional experience and training in a postdoctoral research
appointment, although not required, is important for physicists and
astronomers aspiring to permanent positions in basic research in
universities and government laboratories. Many physics and astronomy
Ph.D. holders ultimately teach at the college or university level.
 Master's
degree holders usually do not qualify for basic research positions, but
may qualify for many kinds of jobs requiring a physics background,
including positions in manufacturing and applied research and
development. Increasingly, many master's degree programs are
specifically preparing students for physics-related research and
development that does not require a Ph.D. degree. These programs teach
students specific research skills that can be used in private-industry
jobs. In addition, a master's degree coupled with State certification
usually qualifies one for teaching jobs in high schools or at 2-year
colleges.
Those with bachelor's degrees in physics are rarely qualified to fill
positions in research or in teaching at the college level. They are,
however, usually qualified to work as technicians or research assistants
in engineering-related areas, in software development and other
scientific fields, or in setting up computer networks and sophisticated
laboratory equipment. Increasingly, some may qualify for applied
research jobs in private industry or take on nontraditional physics
roles, often in computer science, such as systems analysts or database
administrators. Some become science teachers in secondary schools.
Holders of a bachelor's or master's degree in astronomy often enter an
unrelated field. However, they are also qualified to work in
planetariums running science shows, to assist astronomers doing
research, and to operate space-based and ground-based telescopes and
other astronomical instrumentation.
About 760 colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in
physics. Undergraduate programs provide a broad background in the
natural sciences and mathematics. Typical physics courses include
electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, atomic physics, and quantum
mechanics.
Approximately 185 colleges and universities have departments offering
Ph.D. degrees in physics; about 70 additional colleges offer a master's
as their highest degree in physics. Graduate students usually
concentrate in a subfield of physics, such as elementary particles or
condensed matter. Many begin studying for their doctorate immediately
after receiving their bachelor's degree.
About 80 universities grant degrees in astronomy, either through an
astronomy, physics, or combined physics-astronomy department. Currently,
about 40 astronomy departments are combined with physics departments,
and the same number are administered separately. With about 40 doctoral
programs in astronomy, applicants face considerable competition for
available slots. Those planning a career in the subject should have a
strong physics background. In fact, an undergraduate degree in either
physics or astronomy is excellent preparation, followed by a Ph.D. in
astronomy.
Many physics and astronomy Ph.D. holders begin their careers in a
postdoctoral research position, in which they may work with experienced
physicists as they continue to learn about their specialties or develop
a broader understanding of related areas of research. Initial work may
be under the close supervision of senior scientists. As they gain
experience, physicists perform increasingly complex tasks and achieve
greater independence in their work. Experience, either in academic
laboratories or through internships, fellowships, or work-study programs
in industry, also is useful. Some employers of research physicists,
particularly in the information technology industry, prefer to hire
individuals with several years of postdoctoral experience.
Other
qualifications
Mathematical ability, problem-solving and analytical skills, an
inquisitive mind, imagination, and initiative are important traits for
anyone planning a career in physics or astronomy. Prospective physicists
who hope to work in industrial laboratories applying physics knowledge
to practical problems should broaden their educational background to
include courses outside of physics, such as economics, information
technology, and business management. Good oral and written communication
skills also are important because many physicists work as part of a
team, write research papers or proposals, or have contact with clients
or customers with nonphysics backgrounds.
Advancement
 Advancement
among physicists and astronomers usually takes the form of greater
independence in their work, larger budgets, or tenure in university
positions. Others choose to move into managerial positions and become
natural science managers. Those who
pursue management careers spend more time preparing budgets and
schedules. Those who develop new products or processes sometimes form
their own companies or join new firms to develop these ideas.
AIP
University Listings
AIP offers two resources for selecting physics programs at US
universities:
Roster of Physics Departments:
Enrollment and
degree data on each degree-granting physics department in the US.
Roster of Astronomy Departments:
Enrollment and
degree data on each degree-granting astronomy department in the US.
Choosing
an advisor
Your undergraduate
advisor is a resource for advice on both course taking and your career
goals. Your undergraduate advisor should be a person who has the expertise
to understand the background required for your career goals, someone who
is supportive of your aspirations, and someone with whom you are
comfortable. If your advisor does not meet all three of these criteria,
then you should change advisors. Set up interviews with other faculty to
find the individual who is just right for you.
Undergraduate
Research
 How important is
experience in undergraduate research? Undergraduate research
experiences are very valuable for several reasons. They are an opportunity
for you to assess whether this is a direction that you will find
intellectually challenging and exciting. Undergraduate research provides
you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge that you have learned in
courses to solving real problems. It provides you with the experience of
working in a team environment. Finally, your undergraduate research will
show future employers what you can do.
Off
Campus Experiences, Mentors, and Internships
How can off-campus work
experiences help? Employers want to hire people that they are
confident can do the job and succeed in their environment. The more
information prospective employers have about you, e.g., course work plus
work experience, the more likely they are to feel that they are making the
right choice. The individual supervising your off campus work experiences
will be able to provide in depth information about your ability to
function in a work environment. When you apply for your first
position after earning your physics bachelors, your prospective employer
will be looking at three general aspects of your background.
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The knowledge you have that
is specific to the position for which you are applying, i.e., your
major and related course work.
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Work experiences that you
have related to the position for which you are applying. Employers
will be able to contact your supervisor to find out how well you
were able to apply your knowledge in a work setting.
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Your personal
characteristics such as work ethic, determination, meticulousness and
ability to work with others
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the American
Institute of Physics and the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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