Physics Major w/Math Minor: Career Options

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on career options for a physics major with a math minor, particularly focusing on research opportunities available after graduation. Participants explore the implications of the participant's current coursework and skills on future career paths, including the necessity of advanced degrees for research roles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue research and graduate school in physics, questioning how their current skill set may limit their options.
  • Another participant asserts that a Ph.D. is typically required for research positions.
  • A follow-up question is raised about the existence of research roles that do not require a Ph.D., such as technician positions.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of technician jobs that may not require a college degree but emphasize the need for specific skills and the limited role in directing research.
  • A question is posed regarding research jobs available at the bachelor's level in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the types of research roles available without a Ph.D. Some participants agree that technician roles exist, while others question the viability of research positions for those with only a bachelor's degree.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the educational requirements for research roles in physics and the potential for technician positions, highlighting the need for specific skills regardless of formal education.

Who May Find This Useful

Students pursuing a physics degree, individuals considering a math minor, and those interested in research careers in STEM fields may find this discussion relevant.

Shackleford
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Physics major, math minor

I'm not taking any programming courses or computer science courses, and we only briefly did a few exercises in Matlab this past semester in my Diff. Eq. class because we were short on time. I do still have the Matlab book, though.

Here's the rest of my program. Given the courses I'm taking, in particular the one in bold, what would my options be after graduation? How limited am I by my skill sets? I'm set to graduate spring 2012. I think I would like to go into research. I like pure physics, pure science. If I can, I'll go into graduate school for a Physics MS. I hope I'm clear in my questioning.

Modern Physics I
Vector Analysis
Modern Physics II
Intermediate Mechanics
Electronic Devices and Their Applications
Thermal Physics
Introduction to Solid State Physics
Introduction to Partial Differential Equations
Intermediate Electromagnetic Theory I
Seminar in Advanced Laboratory Analysis
Advanced Laboratory I
Introduction to Astrophysics
Advanced Laboratory II
Intermediate Electromagnetic Theory II
4000-level MATH course
 
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If you want to get into research, you'll need a Ph.D. from my understanding.
 
Jack21222 said:
If you want to get into research, you'll need a Ph.D. from my understanding.

Are there other levels of research that don't require a Ph.D? Like at a technician level or something?
 
Shackleford said:
Are there other levels of research that don't require a Ph.D? Like at a technician level or something?

I think they're called grad students.
 
Jack21222 said:
I think they're called grad students.

Okay.
 
Shackleford said:
Are there other levels of research that don't require a Ph.D? Like at a technician level or something?

Yes, there are technician jobs, many of which don't even require a college degree. They do require skills, and don't expect to have any say in the direction of the research.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Yes, there are technician jobs, many of which don't even require a college degree. They do require skills, and don't expect to have any say in the direction of the research.

What about BS Physics level research jobs?
 

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