Physics

Overview

This is a four-year program designed for students planning graduate study in physics, graduate study in an allied field such as engineering, industrial/business employment, and other professional schools. Majors complete a well- balanced curriculum, concentrating on theoretical and experimental physics, computational physics and mathematics.

Why Study Physics?

The study of Physics involves the branch of science which is concerned with the laws and properties of matter; physics deals with mechanics, dynamics, light, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, materials, and elementary particles. Physicists work may range from highly complex and theoretical studies, to more practical activities which relate theory to practical needs.

Related Majors

Careers

Related Skills

Strong math background
Ability to use computers and derive data
Strong written and research skills
Ability to use theories in practice
Strong analytical skills
Logical thinker

Being Successful in the Field

A bachelor's degree will qualify for positions as research assistants, high level technicians, or computer specialists, as well as nontechnical work in publishing or sales.
An undergraduate degree also provides a solid background for pursuing advanced degrees in other employment areas such as law, engineering, business, accounting, or medicine.
Be aware that expertise and experience in a specialty area are usually required for employment opportunities directly related to physics.
A graduate degree and post-graduate experience will allow for more responsibility and advancement in the field of physics.
An earned doctorate is required for college or university teaching, advanced research, and administrative positions.
Most industries will train in the specialty of the firm.
A bachelor's degree and state teacher certification are required for K-12 teaching opportunities.
Become familiar with government job application process for positions in federal, state, or local government.
Visit government laboratories or research centers. Talk with a physicist about his/her profession and career path.
Join relevant professional associations. Attend their meetings and read their publications.
Gain experience with tools, electronics, and machinery.

Related Fields

Astronomy

Teaching
Research
Writing

Employers

Colleges and universities
Observatories
Planetariums
Science museums
Nonprofit foundations
Industry e.g., aerospace, scientific supply, mass media
Federal government: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Smithsonian
Astrophysical Observatory, U.S. Naval Observatory, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Strategies

Acquire excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Get involved in a research project.
Develop a specialty area of expertise and experience.

Acoustical Physics

Basic and Applied Research
Development
Teaching
Consulting
Administration
Testing

Employers

Colleges and universities
Government laboratories
Nonprofit research centers
Industry e.g., electronics, building design, medical instrumentation, communications, engineering, noise pollution, sound recording, film production

Strategies

Supplement program with courses in psychology, physiology, communications, political science, and sociology.
Obtain a graduate degree in physics for opportunities in industry.
Maintain an interest in music, the arts and humanities.

Astrophysics

Teaching
Consulting
Administration
Research
Design
Astronautics

Employers

Government laboratories
Research centers
Airports
Colleges and universities
Commercial industry
Space industry
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Observatories
Planetariums
Military

Strategies

Obtain experience through part-time or voluntary position in a planetarium, observatory or science museum. Complete an internship with a research organization or related industry.
Participate in research with scholars in the field.
Contact the American Astronomical Society for more information.

Biophysics

Basic and Applied Research
Development
Teaching
Consulting
Administration

Employers

Colleges and universities
Government laboratories
Nonprofit research centers
Industry e.g., biotechnology, environment, pharmaceuticals
Hospitals

Strategies

Acquire information about state licensure required for various types of technicians working in medical settings.
Gain experience as a laboratory assistant

Fluid and Plasma Physics

Basic and Applied Research
Development
Teaching
Consulting
Administration

Employers

Colleges and universities
Government laboratories
Government agencies
Nonprofit research centers
Industry e.g., automobile, jet engine, space vehicle design, controlled fusion device design

Strategies

Obtain a graduate degree (master's or doctorate) for opportunities in industry or research.

Geophysics

Basic and Applied Research
Development
Teaching
Consulting
Administration
Exploration

Employers

Colleges and universities
Nonprofit research centers
Federal government e.g., Coast and Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, Army Map
Service, Naval Oceanographic Office
Industry e.g., petroleum, mining, exploration
Consulting firms

Strategies

Specialize in geophysics or minor in geology.
Develop good background in mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics.
Maintain good physical condition.

Health Physics

Basic and Applied Research
Development
Teaching
Consulting
Administration
Monitoring/Inspection

Employers

Colleges and universities
Government laboratories
Government agencies e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Public Health Service
Nonprofit research centers
Industry e.g., health physics instrumentation, nuclear power, nuclear weapons, radioisotope products, nuclear accelerators, nuclear reactors
Environmental firms
Hospitals

Strategies

Earn a Ph.D. and certification by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) for top university teaching, research and administrative positions.
Complete a master's degree and certification by the ABHP for professional health physicists’ positions.
Specialize in health physics and obtain technician certification from the National Registry of Radiation Protection.
Acquire knowledge of government standards and regulations.

Other Professions

Acoustic Physicist
Aerospace Engineer
Agricultural Scientist
Astronomer
Biophysicist
Cryogenic Physicist
Design Engineer
Editor – Science
Electronic Molecular Physicist
Electro-Optical Engineer
Environmentalist
Fluids Physicist
Geophysicist
High School Teacher
Lab Technician
Metallurgist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Physicist
Oceanographer
Physical Chemist
Physicist
Plasma Physicist
Professor
Project Manager
Quality Control Manager
Research & Development Engineer
Research Assistant
Sales Engineer
Science Laboratory Technician
Semi-Conductor Process Engineer
Solid Earth Physicist
Solid State Physicist
Teacher, Science
Technical Writer/Communicator
Test Engineer

Career Advising

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Renee Carrigan	110 Student Services Building	rdcarig@ilstu.edu	(309) 438-2200

Internship Coordinator

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Rick Martin	311B Moulton Hall	rfm@phy.ilstu.edu	(309) 438-8756

New Freshmen

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit Welcome2ISU.IllinoisState.edu to apply today!

Plans of Study and Progress Tracking

New Transfer

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 1. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit Welcome2ISU.IllinoisState.edu to apply today!

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.72 - 3.50

Required Courses

Grade of "C" or better in Calculus I (MAT 145)

Recommended Courses

Fundamentals of psychology (PSY 110)
Calculus II (MAT 146)
Calculus III (MAT 147)

Plans of Study and Progress Tracking

Academic Advising

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Grace Foote Johns	Moulton Hall 322	gfjohns@ilstu.edu	(309) 438-8758

Illinois State Students

Middle 50% GPA

2.72 - 3.50

Plans of Study and Progress Tracking

Application Period

Applications are always accepted.

Academic Advising

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Grace Foote Johns	Moulton Hall 322	gfjohns@ilstu.edu	(309) 438-8758