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What is Physics?

Get a Master's in Physics

The Physics B.S.

Physics involves the study of natural phenomena observed in our world, from the subatomic scale to the vastness of the entire universe.

There are a range of subdisciplines within the field, including computational physics, quantum physics and medical physics.

Whether you want to explore the mysteries of antimatter, aid in the development of laser technologies or discover new energy sources, earning a degree in physics will give you the knowledge and skills you need for a variety of physics-related careers.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for Physics?

When you major in physics at Florida Tech, you’ll have all the tools and resources that you’d expect to find at a larger university but in a smaller, more intimate setting. Our program focuses on preparing you for real-world scientific work—whether in academia or industry—so you will find plenty of opportunities for putting theory into practice.

Careers in Physics

What can you do with a physics degree? You can find jobs for a physics major in fields such as aeronautics, engineering, energy, defense, research, education and software development. Florida Tech physics alumni hold positions such as:

  • Solution engineer
  • Quality engineer
  • Petrophysicist
  • Data scientist
  • Electrical technician
  • Software engineer
  • Nuclear equipment operator
  • Scientific outreach coordinator

Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.

With additional training and education, you can gain access to leadership and specialized roles, which also boost your physics degree salary potential.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for physics-related careers.

Advanced Degree Options

After receiving their physics B.S., many of our students pursue advanced degrees in physics, astrophysics, engineering, mathematics and related areas, including these Florida Tech programs:

Explore the Physics, B.S., Curriculum

The Physics, B.S., Curriculum

The curriculum for the physics B.S. includes core courses in physics, mathematics and related sciences, plus a mix of electives from engineering fields and the humanities.

Classes include:

  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Experiments in Optics
  • Intro to Subatomic Physics

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Physics, B.S. Curriculum now!

Physics Research: From Dark Matter to Artificial Intelligence

Exciting physics research is happening on campus at Florida Tech and in collaboration with partner institutions, organizations and agencies around the world.

As early as your first year, you will have a chance to get involved with a faculty-led research group.

For example, the High Energy Particle (HEP) Physics Lab is actively studying topics like dark matter, AI in particle physics, Higgs boson and radiation effects in semiconductors. Much of this lab's work is centered on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) located at CERN, the European Center for Particle Physics in Geneva, Switzerland.

Research conducted by the Atmospheric Electricity and Electromagnetics group in the Geospace Physics Laboratory (GPL) includes measurements and modeling of electrical discharges and energetic radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere and sensing technology development.

The Space Physics research group, also working within the Geospace Physics Laboratory, studies topics such as the Solar-Earth magnetospheric and ionospheric interactions and cosmic ray propagation from their source in the galaxies to the interplanetary system.

Learn more about Physics at Florida Tech on the website.

Getting Involved: Student Organizations & Activities

Being part of the aerospace, physics and space sciences department at Florida Tech gives you a chance to get involved in a variety of student groups such as:

  • S3 – an organization that comprises the Florida Tech Student Astronomical Society (SAS) and student chapters of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)
  • Women in STEM Committee
  • Theta Tau (engineering and science honor society)
  • Pre-Med Club

And with more than 200 student organizations at Florida Tech, you’ll have many other ways to get involved and meet people from across campus.

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