Physics is the art of explaining the universe in the most elegant way possible.
- ChatGPT, when asked to summarize Physics
Physics is the science that underlies all natural sciences. It explores how and why the universe works, from subatomic to universe scales, and strives to understand the fundamental laws of our physical reality. Wind energy, X-rays, MRI machines, the waves of Lake Superior, and the movement of satellites across the night skies -- all are governed by physics and can be understood though physical laws. Physics explores objects from atoms to galaxies and drives technical innovations from nuclear and thermonuclear energy to new materials to medical imaging to quantum computing.
Our department's particular strengths are in particle and nuclear physics, condensed matter and soft matter, computational physics, astrophysics, cosmology, physical limnology and oceanography, and interdisciplinary applications.
How do I know if Physics is right for me?
Do you like solving puzzles and enjoy intellectual challenges?
Do you appreciate the esthetics of a beautiful theory or a satisfying explanation?
Are you curious how things work under the hood, not just push a button or plug-n-chug a formula?
Are you good with mathematics or computers, or do you like building things?
Do you like discovering new concepts and see how they can be applied to real world problems?
Do your interests span multiple disciplines and you are wondering whether you might be able to also do computer science, math, economics, Earth sciences, cognitive sciences, robotics, space exploration, or perhaps Art?
Then physics might be right for you!
What do Physicists Do?
Physics equips you with mental techniques and quantitative skills for an extraordinary variety of careers in modern industry. Not surprisingly, unemployment among physics graduates is among the lowest of all disciplines.
Physicists work in a wide variety of professions in science, technology, and education. They solve quantitative problems and perform experiments to test theories. They conduct fundamental research at national laboratories or universities, or applied research at companies or in private or government labs. They are found in organizations that do science, engineering, technology, finance, and public policy. Some work with complicated equipment. Others work with mathematical models. Many are computational experts and work with high performance computing techniques.
Enjoy this quantitative visualization of physics career options from the National Society of Physics Students:
Also, see the interactive listing of the employers who are hiring recent physics graduates by state, provided by the American Institute of Physics (AIP).