Physics is the study of how matter and energy work together. Physicists study natural systems and phenomena such as photons, quarks, atoms, solids, nanostructures, liquid crystals, superconductors, plasmas, sound and other pressure waves, planetary climates, stars, quasars, galaxies and black holes. Physics contributes to the fundamental understanding of nature as well as technological developments such as nanotechnology, superconductors, lasers, magnetic resonance, and space exploration. Colorado Mesa University offers a B.S. in Physical Sciences with a concentration in Physics.
The Physics degree at Colorado Mesa University is designed to prepare students for careers in physics
and associated technical fields or for graduate school in physics. The Physics program at CMU allows
students to work closely with faculty members. The program offers low student-to-teacher ratios, which
allows for active involvement from undergraduates in faculty research. The program also offers
numerous opportunities for research in experimental and theoretical physics. Students have the
opportunity to learn beyond the classroom through independent study and informal individual
mentorship. Colorado Mesa University hosts an active chapter of the Society of Physics Students, which
promotes research, outreach at K-12 organizations, and professional and career development at the
undergraduate level. CMU also has many clubs and organizations that can help prepare students for
advanced study in their field or build campus and community connections.
• Acoustics physicist
• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace nondestructive testing
• Agriculture scientist
• Astronomer
• Astrophysicist
• Atomic physicist
• Biophysicist
• Cardiac imaging researcher
• Chemical physicist
• Engineer
• Fluids physicist
• Geophysical exploration
• Geophysicist
• High-tech designer
• Laboratory technician
• Mathematician
• Meteorologist
• National lab research administrator
• Waste management specialist
• Hydro geologist
• Instrumentation technician
• Laboratory technician
• Medical physicist
• Marine advisor
• Materials analyst
• Meteorologist
• Molecular physicist
• Mining engineer
• Nuclear magnetic resonance lab tech
• Nuclear physicist
• Water quality control
• Water remote sensing interpreter
• National park service professional
• Natural resource manager
• Oceanographer
• Optometrist
• Particle accelerator operations analyst
• Plasma Physicist
• Research and development scientist
• Research assistant
• Satellite data analyst
• Science teacher
• Science writer
• Scientific photographer
• Nuclear power plant project manager
• Seismologist
• Solid earth physicist
• Systems analyst
• Technical analyst
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Define research problems.
• Design equipment to be used in the field or lab.
• Develop and write research proposals.
• Establish hypotheses.
• Evaluate ideas.
• Gather and analyze data.
• Observe data obtained through the use of research instruments.
• Perform calculations.
• Prepare technical reports.
• See relationships among factors.
• Utilize mathematical formulas to analyze data and conduct research to observe, measure, or manipulate physical phenomena.
• Develop, design, or use lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and lightsensitive devices for various commercial, medical, or scientific purposes.
• Research and engineer or consult on the use of physical phenomena such as radiation, light, wind, or water for the purpose of energy generation.
• Federal Government
• Colleges/Universities
• Weather bureaus
• Hospitals
• Airports
• Professional journals
• Businesses
• Mining/petroleum industry
• Aerospace company
• Observatory
• National laboratory
• Satellite manufacturer
• Museum
• Science center
Skills Needed by Physics majors:
• Ability to write and speak well
• Problem solving skills
• Work well in a team
• Learn new information quickly
• Use instruments
• Good hand writing
• Motivated
• Organized
• Proficiency in math
• Scientific reasoning
• Computer knowledge
• Good study habits
• Good note-taking skills
Other Physics resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
O*NET-Online: http://www.onetonline.org
The U.S. Department of Labor- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.
- American Meteorological Society
- American Physical Society
- Career Jet
- Indeed
- Physics Honor Society (Sigma Pi Sigma)
- Physics Jobs
- Physics Today
Also check specific organizations and associations, such as the ones listed above, for job opportunities.