Theory - Particle Physics or Condensed Matter

AI Thread Summary
Starting an MSc in theoretical physics, the discussion centers on the career prospects of specializing in Condensed Matter versus Particle Physics. There is a belief that Condensed Matter may offer better job availability and higher salaries in research roles. The conversation also touches on the employment landscape for theorists, questioning whether they primarily work in academia with teaching responsibilities or if there are opportunities in industry focused solely on research. A reference to the latest statistics from the American Institute of Physics (AIP) is provided, highlighting employment trends for physics graduates, which can inform decisions regarding specialization and career paths in the field.
deadringer
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I'm starting an MSc in theoretical physics this October, and at the moment I'm considering specialising in Condensed Matter or Particle Physics, both of which look quite interesting. I was wondering which one had better career prospects. I suspect it's easier to get a well paid research job in Condensed Matter then Particles.
 
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Define what you mean by easier?
 
I suspect that there will be more jobs available in theoretical condensed matter.

ps do theorists just work in academic institutions (and therefore have to do teaching), or can you get research jobs in companies, and just do research all the time?
 
Check this out:

ZapperZ said:
This is the latest statistics from the AIP regarding employment for Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D's in physics, including "satisfaction" in their choices of field of study and where they end up.

http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/emp.pdf

Judge for yourself. This is THE most complete study of this type anywhere for the job situation in the US.

Zz.
 

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Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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