Skills developed through Physics coursework and related hands-on experiences include:

• Quantitative reasoning
• Mathematical and computational modeling
• Experimental design and analysis
• Laboratory techniques and scientific instrumentation
• Data collection, analysis, interpretation and uncertainty
• Technical problem solving, testing and quality assurance
• Scientific communication and collaboration across diverse disciplines and audiences

Your coursework, degree option and experiences outside the classroom will all shape the skills you develop while at Oregon State. Research, internships and other experiential learning can provide additional experience with specialized techniques, scientific investigation, teamwork and professional practices.

Coursework provides the scientific and mathematical foundation for careers in physics. Employers and graduate or professional programs also value experiences that help students apply what they learn, explore career interests and develop professional skills.

Oregon State students build experience in many ways while earning their degrees, including research, internships and leadership. The examples below illustrate some of the ways Oregon State students have prepared for careers in physics.

Undergraduate research

Research provides opportunities to investigate open scientific questions while developing the experimental, computational and analytical methods used by physicists. It also provides opportunities to work with faculty mentors and contribute to new scientific knowledge. Research is especially valuable preparation for graduate study and scientific R&D.

Oregon State students have conducted research in areas such as:

• Laser physics, nonlinear optics and photonics
• Optical communications, imaging and sensing systems
• Semiconductor manufacturing, materials characterization and process improvement
• Nuclear reactor modeling and simulation
• Space-based infrared sensing and payload systems
• MRI physics and medical imaging
• Glaciology, radar remote sensing and ice-sheet modeling

Internships and professional experience

Internships and professional experiences allow students to apply their scientific knowledge in industry, government and research settings while exploring different career paths and building professional connections.

Oregon State students have gained experience with organizations such as:

• NASA
• Siemens Healthineers
• Hewlett-Packard
• TRI Corporation
• Lam Research
• Qorvo, Inc.
• Onto Innovation
• Framatome
• Spectra-Physics

Leadership, service and campus involvement

Communication, teamwork, leadership and collaboration are valuable in every physics career. Campus involvement provides opportunities to develop these professional skills while contributing to the university and the broader community.

Oregon State students have also built experience through:

• Physics and other science organizations
• Student club leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Study and research outside the United States
• International teaching experiences

Many OSU physics alumni entered software development, semiconductor manufacturing, engineering support, technology and business careers with a bachelor’s degree. National data show a similar range of opportunities.The American Institute of Physics found that just under half of new physics bachelor degree recipients enter the workforce within a year of graduation, while 47% continue their education. Among those that entered the workforce directly, 43% work in engineering or computer software.

Graduate education is more common in careers that require advanced specialization, clinical preparation or original research. A master’s degree or doctorate is typically needed for:

• University or college teaching
• Advanced or original scientific research
• Medical or clinical physics

Graduate study is common amongst OSU Physics graduates, especially in physics and engineering related fields. Our alumni have continued their education at Oregon State and at universities across the United States and internationally.

Representative universities

• University of Washington
• Stanford University
• Cornell University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Purdue University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Texas at Austin
• Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
• Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel

Common areas of advanced study for physics grads:

• Physics and specialized physics areas
• Materials and semiconductor related study (like materials science, semiconductor technology engineering, condensed matter/materials physics)
• Optics and photonics-related study
• Electrical and computer engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Bioengineering
• Education