Beyond the Classroom: Physics
Key Resources
Academic Advisors
Visit the NatSci Advising page for contact information and instructions for scheduling an appointment
Department Website
Visit the department website for important updates and information
Major Requirements
Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for detailed information about requirements for the BA & BS
Provides a thorough foundation in the field of physics. The BS degree is for those interested in experimental or theoretical physics as a preparation for positions in industry and for graduate study. The BA degree is for those students who wish to pursue a physics major combined with a broader education in the liberal arts than the BS degree permits.
Skills and Competencies
- Analytical & Quantitative Skills – Apply advanced mathematical and computational methods to analyze physical systems and solve complex problems
- Scientific Research – Design, conduct, and interpret experiments to test hypotheses and advance scientific knowledge in physics
- Critical Thinking - Employ critical thinking to analyze scientific data and effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences
This Major Could Be For You If:
- You are fascinated by the experimental and theoretical aspects of physics, from classical mechanics to quantum physics
- You enjoy solving complex problems using mathematics and computational methods
- You enjoy working on interdisciplinary projects that combine physics with other scientific or engineering disciplines
Common Questions
What’s the difference between the BA & BS?
The BS focuses on a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, ideal for research or graduate study. The BA degree is for students who wish to pursue a physics major combined with a broader education in the liberal arts than the BS degree permits.
Is the degree only valuable in academia?
No. A physics degree is also valuable in engineering, data science, IT, and other fields due to the strong analytical and problem-solving skills it provides.
What makes this major unique?
The major combines theoretical knowledge with experimental training and advanced computational skills, preparing students for both industry and advanced studies.
Skill Development
Building your skills takes exploration and experience. These opportunities below are options you may be interested in. These are ideas to get you started; you have the freedom to find what aligns with your goals.
Research Opportunities
- Consider faculty-directed research or off-campus summer programs
- Connect with the Undergraduate Research Office for assistance
Work-Based Learning
- Develop professional skills through on- or off- campus work or internships with the help of the Career Services Network
- Gain experience through volunteer work via the Center for Community Engaged Learning
Career Growth
- Engage with NatSci’s Career Exploration workshops and resources
Campus Involvement
- Connect with other students in clubs like the Society of Physics Students or other organizations
Education Abroad Ideas
University of New South Wales
- 12-15 weeks | Fall/Spring
- Direct Enroll
University of Oslo
- 12-15 weeks | Fall/Spring
- Exchange
To get started with Education Abroad and to explore other programs that suit your goals, check out the MSU Education Abroad website or visit the Education Abroad Advising Center.
Career Exploration
Career exploration is all about discovering the paths that align with your interests, personality, lifestyle, values and skills. Remember, your major doesn’t define your career, and the career cluster examples provided are just a starting point—not an exhaustive list. Explore widely, and keep an open mind as you shape your future!
Research & Development (BS)
Careers
- Research Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Laboratory Technician
- Experimental Physicist
- Computational Physicist
Key Employers
- Research Laboratories
- Technology Companies
- Government Research Agencies
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Private Research Firms
- Aerospace and Defense Companies
Strategies
- Plan to gain related part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences
- Align coursework with your areas of interest
- Maintain grades and get to know your faculty
- Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research positions
- Develop strong skills in data analysis, computational modeling, and experimental techniques
Engineering & Technology
Careers
- Systems Engineer
- Measurement Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Optical Engineer
Key Employers
- Engineering Firms
- Technology Companies
- Manufacturing Companies
- Aerospace Companies
- Defense Contractors
- Energy and Utilities Companies
Strategies
- Gain experience with in engineering principles and technologies through coursework and projects
- Consider taking coursework in electronics, materials science, and computer engineering
- Participate in engineeringrelated student projects or clubs
Education & Outreach (BA)
Careers
- High School Physics Teacher
- Science Communicator
- Curriculum Developer
- Educational Consultant
- Museum Educator
Key Employers
- Educational Institutions (Schools, Colleges, and Universities)
- Science Museums and Planetariums
- Educational Publishing Companies
- Non-Profit Science Education Organizations
- Government Educational Agencies
- Science Outreach Programs
Strategies
- Acquire appropriate certification for K-12 teaching opportunities
- Gain experience in education and outreach through volunteer work or internships with educational institutions or nonprofits
- Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written, for interacting with students, colleagues, and parents
Looking for more options?