What should I major in if I like physics?

If you like physics, major in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Materials), Applied Math, or related physical sciences like Chemistry, Astronomy, or Geophysics, as these leverage physics principles for problem-solving in tech, research, or medicine, while a pure Physics degree offers broad scientific foundations for diverse careers, often with further graduate study. Pairing Physics with CS, Math, or Finance also opens many doors, depending on your career goals.

What is the best major to pair with physics?

Physics + Mathematics: best for theoretical/academic paths. Physics + Computer Science: best for high-demand industry and computational research. Physics + Electrical Engineering: best for instrumentation and applied R&D. Physics + Data Science/Statistics: best for analytics and experimental-heavy roles.

What should I do if I love physics?

Where physics could take you: Career paths

• Astronomy and space. ...
• Climate science and meteorology. ...
• Education. ...
• Medical physics and digital healthcare. ...
• Finance and law.

Did Elon Musk get a degree in physics?

Yes, Elon Musk has a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a second degree in Economics from the Wharton School. He briefly started a Ph.D. program in applied physics at Stanford University but dropped out after a couple of days to pursue entrepreneurship. 

What degrees does Jeff Bezos have?

In high school in Miami, Jeffrey first fell in love with computers. An outstanding student, he was valedictorian of his class. He entered Princeton University planning to study physics, but soon returned to his love of computers, and graduated with a degree in computer science and electrical engineering.

What Can You Do With a Physics Degree? - Advice from an Astrophysics Graduate

What are 5 jobs in physics?

5 High-Paying Careers in Physics

• Astrophysicist. If you're endlessly fascinated by stars, galaxies, planets, black holes, and all the other known and as-of-yet undiscovered mysteries of the Universe, then this is the career for you. ...
• Test Engineer. ...
• Optical Engineer. ...
• Experimental Physicist. ...
• Chief Medical Physicist.

What is the highest paid physics job?

The highest-paying physics jobs are often in specialized areas like Medical Physics (Chief Medical Physicist), Quantum Computing, and Data Science, with lucrative roles also found in Finance (Wall Street quant), Aerospace Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering, frequently leveraging advanced degrees for roles in tech, energy, and healthcare that can offer salaries well over $150k-$200k+ annually, especially in the private sector. 

What minors go well with physics?

You should also consider an BA physics major in conjuction with another major or minor. For instance, an BA physics major with a minor in biology would make a fantastic pre-med program. Or, an BA physics with a minor in economics or management would be well-suited for a business or law career.

How smart are physics majors?

Data from the Educational Testing Service suggests that physics degree holders boast an average IQ of around 133. 🤯 So, what does that number actually mean? An IQ of 130 places you in the top 2% of intelligence, a level often considered to be borderline genius.

What is the highest paying double major?

The most profitable second majors, regardless of the first major, appear to be Business and Administration, Computer Science, and Engineering. In some cases, gender appears to matter greatly. Female engineering-math/science double majors, for example, have greater earning returns than males.

What subjects go well with physics?

For candidates with a main interest in Physics or Chemistry, we strongly recommend A level Further Maths and two other sciences (including your main subject interest) as well as Maths. Physics students are advised to take the Mechanics modules in Further Mathematics.

Is physics the hardest major in college?

The most difficult majors require extensive study time, more STEM courses, and a solid foundation in math. Chemistry, engineering, and physics are generally considered some of the hardest college majors available to undergraduates.

What careers are related to physics?

Careers in physics are diverse, spanning traditional roles like astrophysicist, medical physicist, and teacher, to modern tech jobs in data science, software development, and quantitative finance, utilizing problem-solving skills in fields from aerospace to finance, and requiring strong analytical abilities for roles in engineering, research, and IT. Physics graduates excel in roles needing quantifiable skills, opening doors in private industry, government labs, and academia, often involving advanced tech or complex data analysis. 

Which gender is better at physics?

“In the field of physics education research, the majority of existing studies report a persistent gender gap with males performing significantly better than females on introductory mechanics concept inventory assessments, such as the Force Concept Inventory,” Erukhimova said.

Which rapper is a physicist?

GZA has been noted for his interest in quantum physics and has given lectures at New York University and MIT. He is a vegan and advocates for raw veganism. He has called soul food the “slave man's diet”.

Is physics unemployable?

About 35% of all bachelor degree recipients pursue graduate degrees in Physics or Astronomy and about one 20% pursue a graduate degree in some other field. Typically, less than than 5% are unemployed.

What are the 9 major fields of physics?

Branches of physics

• 1 Classical mechanics.
• 2 Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
• 3 Electromagnetism and photonics.
• 4 Relativity.
• 5 Quantum mechanics, atomic physics, and molecular physics.
• 6 Optics and acoustics.
• 7 Condensed matter physics.
• 8 High-energy particle physics and nuclear physics.

What are the 7 career fields?

Below are some common career fields and examples of jobs that belong to each category:

• Architecture and engineering field. ...
• Arts, culture and entertainment field. ...
• Business, management and administration field. ...
• Communications field. ...
• Community and social services field. ...
• Education field. ...
• Science and technology field.

What is Bezos' 1 hour rule?

Jeff Bezos's 1-Hour Rule is a morning routine prioritizing a slow, screen-free start to the day, often called "puttering," involving activities like reading, coffee, and family time to boost focus, energy, and decision-making, rather than reactive tasks like checking emails. This practice helps manage the brain's cortisol response and aligns with neuroscience that suggests calm, intentional mornings improve overall mental clarity and productivity. 

What was Bezos GPA?

He had a 4.2 GPA and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi. Bezos graduated from Princeton in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE), summa cum laude.

What do most billionaires study in college?

Engineering

This might surprise you, but the scope of engineering is huge and widening! KEY FACT: Engineering is the most common degree among the billionaires. 22% of the world's top 100 billionaires studied engineering.