Physics Graduate Programs Involving Internships in Industry

AI Thread Summary
A senior undergraduate physics major is exploring graduate programs focused on industrial careers rather than academia, specifically highlighting Georgetown University's Industrial Leadership in Physics and the University of South Florida's program, both of which include industrial practicums. The discussion emphasizes the importance of gaining industry experience and connections during graduate studies. Participants suggest looking into applied physics programs, as they often have faculty with industry ties, which can enhance career prospects. The conversation also raises the question of whether an applied physics degree provides a significant advantage over a traditional experimental physics degree, noting that many research groups engage in applied work regardless of their official designation. Networking with research groups is recommended to understand their industry connections and graduate outcomes.
jonesje
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Hello PhysicsForums!

I'm currently a senior undergraduate physics major looking at grad school options. I hope to pursue a future career in industry rather than academia. I've found a couple graduate programs that are very interesting to me.

1) Georgetown University Industrial Leadership in Physics (ILP)
http://physics.georgetown.edu/graduate-studies/graduate-studies/industrial-leadership-physics

2) University of South Florida
http://physics.usf.edu/graduate/phd/

Both programs offer some kind of "Industrial Practicum or Industrial Apprenticeship" as part of their program.

I'm wondering if there are any other programs out there that have similar programs? So that industry experience and connections will be gained during graduate school.

Thanks!
 
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Look at applied physics programs. The professors often have direct connections to industry (they do at my institution). An internship may be unnecessary but it certainly isn't a bad thing.
 
After a quick search, I was only able to find http://internship.uoregon.edu/overview.html Apparently it is only for those four listed fields, though.

Arsenic&Lace said:
Look at applied physics programs.

Given that one is already intent on going into a field relevant to indstury (e.g. condensed matter, accelerators, or optics), how much of an advantage would an applied physics MS or PhD have over an experimental one?
 
It's just a name, for instance there are numerous groups at my institution who do more or less applied physics even though there is no official applied physics group.

A different way of interpreting my advice is that you should consider getting in touch with research groups of interest irrespective of whether or not an internship is offered and figure out where graduates go and what sorts of connections exist, since some of these groups probably funnel students into industry with or without an internship.
 
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