Physics
Understand the fundamental laws of the universe
What You'll Study
Physics is the study of matter, energy, space, and time. From subatomic particles to galaxies, physicists try to figure out how reality works. It is the foundation of all engineering and most science.
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Relativity
- Optics
- Nuclear Physics
- Astrophysics
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You always ask "Why?" about the natural world
- ✓You want to know the deepest truths of reality
- ✓You are excellent at math and logic
- ✓You are okay with problems that have no answer yet
- ✓You might want to be a professor or researcher
- ✓You want the ultimate problem-solving degree
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You want a job that is easy to explain to your parents
- ✕You dislike math equations
- ✕You want to build things immediately (Engineering is better)
- ✕You dislike failure (experiments often fail)
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Do you watch documentaries about Black Holes and Quantum Mechanics?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Semiconductor / IC Design Engineer
Design, simulate, and verify integrated circuits (ICs) and microchips used in computers, smartphones, and AI hardware.
Data Scientist
Analyze complex data sets to derive insights that drive business decisions. Combine statistics, programming, and domain expertise.
Aerospace Engineer
Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, pushing the boundaries of flight and space exploration.
Software Engineer
Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Work with cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Research Scientist
- •Medical Physicist
- •Quantitative Analyst
- •Lab Technician
- •Professor
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Watch "Cosmos" or read "A Brief History of Time".
Perform the "Double Slit Experiment" at home with a laser pointer (tutorials online).
Write a computer simulation of a pendulum or orbit using Python.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
Often yes, clearer theoretical and more abstract.
Yes, but rarely as a "Physicist" without a PhD. You work as an engineer, analyst, or programmer.
It teaches you HOW to think. Employers love physics grads for their raw brainpower.
Usually a sub-field or specialization of Physics.
Yes, modern physics is heavily computational.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Physics is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.