Careers in PhysicsNorthern Michigan University

Department of Physics

What is Physics?Physics is the most basic of sciences and

involves the study of phenomena from the microscopic (atoms/molecules) to the macroscopic (e.g. the motion of a ball) to the megamacrosopic (stars and galaxies).

Physics topics include: motion, force, energy, momentum, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, relativity, modern physics, quantum mechanics, materials…….and on and on.

What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?

Physicist/Material ScientistEngineer (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil,

Nuclear, etc.)Astronomer/Astrophysicist Teacher (high school/college/university)Computer ProgrammerFinancial Analyst/Lawyer/PhysicianMeteorologistTechnical Writer/EditorMANY OTHERS

Where Do Physicists Work?

IndustryGovernment Laboratories

Academia

Job QualificationsAbility for original and creative thinking.Problem solving ability.Ability to break complex ideas down into

simpler, solvable problems.Mathematical ability.Ability to invent, build, and work with

experimental apparatus.Ability to clearly express ones ideas in verbal

or written form.

Academic PreparationHigh School: Physics, Chemistry, Biology,

English and writing, and all the mathematics you can take.

Undergraduate: Introductory through advanced physics courses and all the mathematics you can take. Computer programming is very important.

Graduate: Specialization with graduate courses and a lot of research (theoretical or experimental), mathematics, and computer programming.

KNOWING HOW TO WRITE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!!

Internship ExperiencesFor undergraduates, beside the research

opportunities available in their university’s department, summer REU’s (research experience for undergraduates) are widely available throughout the U.S.

Study abroad may be possible.Scientific or technically oriented companies

may provide opportunities.Opportunities exist as interns in government.

Degree ProgramsBachelor’s Degree candidates would work as

technical aides to PhD physicists or engineers or, with teaching certification, could teach in high schools.

Master’s Degree candidates could work as team leaders or engineers, or work for PhD physicists. Can also teach in two or four year colleges.

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) would be project research leaders, or could also do research and teach at universities.

Demand/Growth/SalariesAs the U.S. economy rebounds and focuses on

science and technology to bring us back on track, demand will grow, especially for women.

Academic positions are competitive and can be hard to match well to as they often require specific expertise and previous experience.

Starting salaries depend on degree and industry vs academia.

Salaries can range from $35,000 to $100,000 depending on location, degree, and experience.

NMU InformationLocated in Marquette, Michigan (Upper

Peninsula) on Lake Superior….beautiful, natural environment.

Approximately 9000 students.Outstanding teaching and research facilities,

much of it new within the past 10 years.High quality academic programs.Easy faculty accessibility.Opportunities for undergraduate researc h.Relatively small campus….easy to get to

classes.

Physics at NMUOutstanding teaching faculty. All physics major

courses are taught by PhD faculty with degrees from Stanford, Indiana, Penn State, Kent State, and Michigan Tech.

Small major…students get to know faculty well.Easy to meet with faculty.Full complement of physics courses.Research areas include low energy nuclear

spectroscopy, theoretical particle/field, introductory astronomy.

Physics at NMU (cont.)Two observatories with 16” Schmidt-

Cassegrain telescopes.Majors have a great office facility.Active physics club involved in outreach

activities.Annual trip to Argonne National Lab for

research presentations.Student success in obtaining summer REU’s.

NMU Physics StudentsTypically between 2 and 6 graduates each

year.Most go onto graduate school. Schools

include: Michigan State, Michigan, Indiana, Texas Tech, Stanford, Michigan Tech, Minnesota.

Some students go to graduate school in engineering or work with their Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.

Physics (science in general) is a good major for students interested in law school.

Physics Club Mackinac Bridge Tour

NMU Physics Tests Speed Skating Pads for the USOEC

NMU Observatory

Neutron Detectors for J-lab (left)Department museum display (right)

NMU Physics Major Office

Contact InformationHighly recommend a campus visit.NMU Admissions (906-227-2650)

NMU PhysicsDr. David Lucas906-227-2191

dlucas@nmu.edu

QUESTIONS?????