Answer The Big Questions
Physicists take on the big questions to discover how the universe works—from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. Physicists experiment, observe, and analyze phenomena using mathematical and computational tools. They are well versed in programming, data analytics, and predictive modeling.
Physicists apply critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. In short, they solve problems. The ability to solve problems can be applied to many fields beyond physics, including computer science, engineering, finance, and more.
A degree in physics will provide you with a diverse range of career opportunities. Physicists work in academic and government labs as well as in industry as engineers, data scientists, programmers, and analysts. Use your acquired skills and knowledge to analyze financial markets for a financial services firm, or use your foundational physics knowledge to pursue careers in other fields like medicine, education, law, business, and more.
The areas of study within the Physics Department—physics and applied physics—help you to develop analytical, critical thinking, laboratory, and research skills, blending the theoretical and practical aspects of physics you’ll need to be successful. Career outcomes for physics and related fields—including job placement and starting and median salaries are excellent.
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Bachelor’s Degrees
Physics— BS
Discover how our world works— from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. Physics degree students explore the physical models behind the behavior of our universe. You’ll learn the fundamentals of physics. The BS option focuses on a breadth and depth of core physics knowledge. Often, physics BS degree-seeking students are preparing for graduate studies in the field.
Physics— BA
With a BA degree in physics, you’ll learn how our world works, while being able to take advantage of the flexibility of a traditional liberal arts education. Students pursuing the physics BA option often plan to use their degree in another field like law, medicine, education or business.
Applied Physics—BS
With a BS degree in applied physics you’ll acquire a solid physics foundation with the freedom to explore an interdisciplinary area of interest, like astrophysics, materials science, or nanotechnology, to name a few. You’ll work with your academic advisor to incorporate your application area interests into your coursework. Applied physics students typically go on to graduate studies in physics and/or work in materials science, energy, aerospace, chemical and environmental industries, or at national labs.
Alumni Spotlight
Jonathan, a physics major and Air Force ROTC cadet, graduated in 2025 with minors in aerospace studies and mathematical sciences. He was also a member of Pavlis Honors College, where he was active in undergraduate research on the effectiveness of educational frameworks in aviation and aerodynamics curricula.
He is currently serving in the US Air Force.
Tea graduated in Fall 2023 with a bachelor of arts in physics and minors in sustainability science and law and society. Her undergraduate research focused on synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes for electronics and biomedicine.
She is currently an environmental scientist with McDowell and Associates.
Dan graduated in Spring of 2022 with a bacherlor of science in physics. At Michigan Tech, Dan was a member of the Society of Physics students, worked as a Learning Center coach, and took advantage of multiple research opportunities. With Dr. Piret (Math) he helped develop a simulation of COVID-19 spread. He worked in Dr. Yap’s lab researching methods of producing Nanotubes, and he assisted Drs. Mazzoleni and Borysow in engineering a device for detecting aerosols.
After working at a tech startup, Dan returned to Michigan Tech and completed a Masters Degree in 2025.
Bethany earned a bachelor of science in physics in 2022. She was an inaugural recipient of The Elizabeth Henes Memorial Award for outstanding undergraduate women in physics and performed experimental research with the guidance of Professor Jacek Borysow.
After graduation, Bethany began pursuing a doctorate in Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida.
