What can I do with a physics degree?
Our graduates do whatever they want to do! There is no single career path that they choose. With strong problem solving skills and theoretical understanding, experience in designing and carrying out experiments, and knowledge of computational tools, our graduates are prepared for a variety of careers and graduate programs in science, engineering, and technology. Our graduates’ career choices are as diverse as our students themselves. Many physics students choose to double-major or minor in biochemistry, chemistry, math, or computer science in order to develop a broad theoretical and experiential background.
AIP Statistics
According to statistics from the American Institute of Physics shown below, nearly half of physics majors graduating from High Point University will enter industry and just over half will attend graduate school. Approximately one fourth of our alumni will attend graduate school in physics or astronomy, and approximately one fourth will attend graduate school in engineering, computer science, materials science, or a related field in science, engineering, and technology.
Read more about how a degree in Physics can prepare you for success.
Potential careers and graduate study include all traditional areas in physics, astronomy, engineering, atmospheric science, nanotechnology, microelectronics, computer programming and technology, materials science, biophysics and medical physics. However, physics majors may also choose a career in teaching, medicine, finance or law, for example. With analytical reasoning and problem solving skills developed through physics, you are equipped for nearly any related area and career.
Featured Alumni Profiles
Kevin Sanders, ’14 – Pursuing Ph.D. in Physics at Boston University
“HPU granted me freedom as a student. With such a supportive environment to live in, I never needed to worry about anything other than my studies. Even within those studies, there was substantial freedom: countless projects I chose myself, numerous opportunities to work with professors and bountiful occasions to give my own personal feedback. On top of that, HPU allowed me to present my own research at national conferences across the country in places like California, Florida, and Louisiana (courtesy of URCW grants).”
Nikki Sanford, ’13 – Law school at William and Mary
“My biggest mentor at HPU was Dr. Aaron Titus of the Physics Department. He was my physics advisor. He really helped encourage me to explore my variety of interests whether it was research…or pursuing a law degree. He also helped give me the opportunities to attend conferences and do presentations that not only helped my confidence but helped me find experiences like this one [Mather internship at the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology].” Watch Nikki’s internship profile.
- Catherine Hendricks and Linda Poplawski have received graduate degrees in medical physics
- Laura Lee is in a Ph.D. program in bioengineering at North Carolina State University
- Stephen Vultaggio is working for Cisco Systems
- Andrey Makhanov is an Applications Analyst for the Roth Lab in the Department of Pharmacology at UNC Chapel Hill
- Colin McGuire teaches physics and chemistry at Lowcountry Preparatory School
- Brielle Tyree is an Instructor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at High Point University
