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Most Physics Undergraduates Head Right to Graduate School
By Catherine Groux
Posted October 10, 2012 11:00 AM
Following graduation, most physics students head to graduate school.A new survey by the American Institute of Physics shows that after earning a bachelor's degree in physics, 60% of students enroll in graduate school by the winter following their graduations. Most of these master's and doctoral degree seekers enrolled in physics or astronomy programs, but other popular fields of study include engineering and medicine.
Many aspiring physicists and astronomers opt to earn a PhD, as this credential is needed for most jobs in the fields, especially those that involve research, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. However, with a master's degree, students may qualify for applied research positions and development jobs for healthcare and manufacturing companies.
The 40% of physics bachelor's degree holders who decide not to go to graduate school right away tend to find jobs in the private sector, working in many different positions and across a wide range of fields, including engineering, natural science and computer or information systems. About 13% of these individuals find jobs at colleges and universities, while 11% decide to work in high schools.
