Career Opportunities

What can you do with a degree in physics? Plenty! A physics degree is extremely versatile and lends itself to further work in the field or employment opportunities across the STEM landscape. Physics graduates have skills that are in high demand in diverse sectors. These include skills relating to problem-solving, data analysis, and the communication of complex ideas, as well as a better understanding of how the world works on a scientific and human level. While some physics undergraduates go on to seek graduate-level degrees, statistics show that nearly 50 percent of B.S. grads in physics go directly into careers in medical, engineering, computer science, military and other fields.

Physics allows students to gain knowledge and experience in valuable skillsets. The American Physical Society notes that “in the course of receiving a physics degree most students develop expertise with a great variety of scientific instruments and techniques. These kinds of ‘hard skills’ are what make physicists so attractive to employers in physics, engineering and computer science fields.” The APS lists skills that physics training provides, including:

  • Research and problem solving
  • Fluency in using scientific equipment
  • Refined mathematical skills
  • Programming
  • Modeling and simulation
  • Quality control protocol

Some job possibilities available to physics graduates include:

  • Accelerator Operator
  • Applications Engineer
  • Astronomer
  • Data Analyst
  • Design Engineer
  • Energy Systems Scientist
  • Field Engineer
  • High School Physics Teacher
  • IT Consultant
  • Junior High Science Teacher
  • Lab Technician
  • Laser Engineer
  • Medical Research Scientist
  • Optical Engineer
  • Programmer
  • Research Associate
  • Software Developer
  • Space Physicist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Technical Specialist
  • Test Engineer
  • Web Developer

Lockheed Martin Career Development Center

UTA students have an invaluable on-campus resource to assist them in all aspects of their job search – the Lockheed Martin Career Development Center.

The Center is a centralized hub for career development insights, knowledge, services, employer partnerships and engagement opportunities all focused on providing premier career development experiences both on and off campus.

You can reach the Center by email (careers@uta.edu), phone (817-272-2932), or by visiting the office on the east side of the University Center (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).