Physicists

High School

If you are interested in becoming a physicist, take college preparatory courses. You should take as much advanced mathematics and science as is offered. English and writing skills are important, as you must write up your results, communicate with other scientists, and lecture on your findings.

Postsecondary Training

Physicists at the doctoral level command the jobs with the greatest responsibility, such as jobs in basic research and development. Those at the master's level often work in manufacturing or applied research.

Some employers in industry are attracted to those with a broad scientific background. With a bachelor's degree in physics or a related science, you may be hired with the intention of being trained on the job in a specialty area. As you develop competency in the special field, you may then consider returning to graduate school to concentrate your study in this particular field.

In addition, some teaching opportunities are available to those with bachelor's degrees at the primary and secondary school level. However, in order to teach at the college level (and even at some secondary schools), you will need an advanced degree. While a master's degree may be acceptable to teach at a junior college, most universities require that professors have their doctorates. Those with a master's degree may obtain a job as an assistant in a physics department in a university while working toward a Ph.D. in physics.

Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in physics, and about 250 schools offer master's and doctoral programs. The American Institute of Physics provides a list of graduate institutions through its GradSchoolShopper service (https://www.gradschoolshopper.com).

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in physics and physics specialties (such as radiological physics and engineering physics). Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by professional associations (e.g., American Institute of Physics, American Physical Society, The American Association of Physicists in Medicine, and the Canadian Association of Physicists), colleges and universities, and other entities. Contact these organizations for more information.