Physics is a field that requires analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills, all of which are highly valued in a number of diverse careers inside and outside of academia, especially in the private sector. Careers in data science, engineering, and finance are among the top private-sector career choices for physics graduates.
$155,680
Median annual salary for U.S. physicists (May 2023)
70%
of physicists work outside of academia or the government
5%
Expected growth rate for physicsits
Where do Physics Deacs go?
Industry
49% of undergraduates from Wake Physics go directly into the job market. Given the strength of our quantitative education, unsurprisingly, about half of these graduates become data analysts (31%) or go into research and development positions (20%).
Our PhD students find positions in R&D in industry, as postdocs, or as faculty in a variety of institutions.
Graduate & Professional Programs
51% of our undergraduates from Wake Physics continue their education immediately after graduation. Mostly in graduate school (82%) in physics, engineering, medical physics or biomedical sciences.
10% of those who continue their education immediately go onto medical or dental school and the reminder in business or law schools.
Our Master’s students continue on into PhD programs.
FALL 2024
Career Advising Events
Meet and Greet with Dr. Leo Ding
Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Olin Lounge, Noon
Dr. Leo Ding, Wake Forest alumnus, lead proton physicist at Corewell Health, and associate professor at William Beaumont School of Medicine
Grad School Ready
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – Olin 105, 5:00 pm
Tips, Advice, and Application Feedback with Alejandro Cardenas-Avendano
Attention Students and Alumni!
Handshake is your primary gateway to WFU-specific career opportunities and resources.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Our Students Go into Industry
Private Industry
The private sector is the largest employer of newly graduated physics majors post-undergrad, who do not pursue graduate school. The predominant industries are engineering, finance, and IT, while consulting, data science, and machine learning companies are also popular.
These industries look to physics’ natural focus in quantitative reasoning and analysis, as well as evidence-based thinking. These types of skills are common among physicists and make them competitive applicants in fields where these skills are valuable and less common.
Here’s a sampling of where some WFU physics majors are working:
Government
Among the most common government positions for physicists include medical physicists and physical scientists. Medical physicists apply physics concepts in healthcare, in ensuring the safe and effective use of screening equipment and radiation therapy. Physical scientists work in laboratories to study natural phenomena and analyze and conduct research.
Government-funded laboratories include the CDC and DOD, while NASA attracts majors in engineering and science, especially aeronautics and aeronautical engineering.
Here’s a sampling of where some WFU physics majors are working:
Explore Physics Jobs:
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Alumni Spotlight – Jason Grigsby
Meet Dr. Jason Grigsby, Wake Forest Physics Ph.D. class of 2009. Dr. Grigsby has traversed a…
HIGHER EDUCATION
Our Students are Graduate Professionals
Academia
Many students who get B.S. degrees in physics advance their physics education by pursuing M.S. or Ph.D’s in physics and specialize in various fields in physics, including biophysics, astrophysics, particle physics, solid-state physics, and condensed matter physics. After pursuing a Ph.D in physics, most doctorates will go on to hold post-doctoral positions or work in universities, laboratories, or research groups around the world.
Here’s a sampling of where some WFU physics majors are attending:
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Alumni Spotlight – Shane Hutson
Shane Hutson was once an undergraduate student in the Wake Forest Department of Physics. Now he’s…