Physics Careers
A Physics degree from the University of Arizona will provide students with an excellent foundational knowledge of physics and advanced calculus, as well as hands-on experience conducting research and working in research labs. Students will also learn advanced problem-solving skills in science and math that are in-demand in a wide variety of industries, including finance and economics, law, and higher education. While many students choose to pursue graduate school and further their studies, students with Physics undergraduate degrees can pursue a number of career options in lab and research settings in both Government and Privately run labs, in science education and outreach, and more. The following resources are available through the University of Arizona and outside professional organizations to help students explore the field, prepare for a job search, and find internships and jobs.
Top Career Resources
Start here for information on the field, job statistics, and job and internship searching guides.
- American Institute of Physics (AIP) Statistical Research Center
- Society for Physics Students (SPS) Career Toolbox
- American Physical Society (APS): Why Study Physics?
- University of Arizona Office of Student Engagement & Career Development
- Handshake
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduate Students
- Webinar: How to be Successful in a Physics Career: Preparing for Life After Your Physics Degree
- TIMESTEP: UA Astronomy/Physics resources on careers, internships, research, and professional development advice
Major Exploration and Career Preparation
Resources for new students, parents and prospective students exploring what can be done with a Physics degree.
- University of Arizona Office of Student Engagement & Career Development Resources
- Preparing for a Career in Physics for Undergraduate Students from APS
- Resources for Undergraduate Students and Educators from APS
- American Institute of Physics (AIP) Career Resources
- Employment Data for Physicists, Astronomers and Related Scientists from the AIP
- What Can I Do With This Major? Physics
- American Physical Society Preparing Future Teachers
Résumé, Interview and Job Aptitude Resources
For current students and upcoming graduates looking for resources to help build your résumé and cover letters, search for jobs, and prepare for a job or internship search.
- Visit Career Services' Life Lab for Career Guidance
- Handshake Job Postings through UA Career Services
- Wildcat Career Guide
- Sample Resume and Curriculum Vitae Guide
- Plan for an Upcoming UA Career Fair
- APS Professional Guidebook
- APS Webinars & Presentations
Internships & Research
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduate Students
- Search for an NSF REU site
- UA EDGE Internship & Job Readiness Program
- Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
- UA LEAP Internship Program
- Arizona’s Science, Engineering and Math Scholars Program (ASEMS)
- UA Department of Physics REU for Pima Transfer Students
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC)
- UA Blue Chip Leadership Program
- Arizona Space Grant
- UA Department of Physics Research Areas
- UA Department of Astronomy Research Areas
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory Internships
- Internship Resources from University of Iowa for Physics & Astronomy
- Internship and Research information from Georgia Tech
- Pathways to Science: Education and Career Training Opportunities in STEM
- Department of Energy Student & Recent Graduate Opportunities
- Raytheon Internships
- Fermilab Internships
- Society of Physics Students - Internships & Career Search
Job Boards
- University of Arizona Job Board
- American Institute of Physics Job Board
- Society of Physics Students Job Board
- USA Jobs for Government Jobs
- American Association for the Advancement of Science Job Board
- Physics Today Job Board
- Engineer Jobs
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Job Board
- National Science Foundation Careers
- Chronicle Vitae for Academic Jobs
- Physics Jobs Board
- JPL Job Board
- Department of Energy Job Opportunities
- Arete Associates Job Oportunities
- Fermilab Jobs