Physics What Can You Do With An Applied Physics Dregree

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The discussion centers on pursuing a degree in physics, specifically applied physics, and the job prospects associated with it. While research positions are limited, opportunities in electronics and technology are highlighted as viable career paths. The individual plans to study in Canada and aims for a PhD, with a willingness to take internships abroad. Clarifications are made regarding the distinction between applied physics and pure physics, as well as the varying structures of physics programs across Canadian universities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding program specifics when applying to universities.
smartdude00111
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I am applying to universities soon and the one subject that I would like to have in any area of study is physics, if I were to study pure physics than I would specialize in applied physics. I know that there aren't many jobs in specifically research areas which would be a dream job, so what types of jobs outside of research but still within a physics related field are there for someone with an applied physics degree
 
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I think you might find a job within some electronics fields if you have an applied physics degree, because in recent times electronics and technology have been thriving.
 
What country or countries do you plan to study in and work in? What terminal degree are you planning on (bachelors, masters, PhD)?
 
I’m going to University in Canada but internships might take me out of the country and I’m willing to work at any institution that’ll have me, and if I were to study pure physics then I would hope to attain a PhD
 
smartdude00111 said:
I am applying to universities soon and the one subject that I would like to have in any area of study is physics, if I were to study pure physics than I would specialize in applied physics. I know that there aren't many jobs in specifically research areas which would be a dream job, so what types of jobs outside of research but still within a physics related field are there for someone with an applied physics degree
smartdude00111 said:
I’m going to University in Canada but internships might take me out of the country and I’m willing to work at any institution that’ll have me, and if I were to study pure physics then I would hope to attain a PhD
Another clarification needed before I respond. You seem to be referring to "applied physics" as an option under "pure physics". Is that correct? So, are you distinguishing "pure physics" from, e.g., engineering? I ask, because, often one distinguishes between "pure" science and "applied" science. In some universities (at least in the US), "applied physics" is a different department from "physics", rather than a field under physics. So does your question concern getting a degree in "applied physics" vs "physics", or what field (concentration or specialty) in physics to specialize in (e.g., solid-state, plasma, high-energy, ...)? Or do Canadian universities have an "applied physics" concentration when getting a physics degree?
 
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CrysPhys said:
Another clarification needed before I respond. You seem to be referring to "applied physics" as an option under "pure physics". Is that correct? So, are you distinguishing "pure physics" from, e.g., engineering? I ask, because, often one distinguishes between "pure" science and "applied" science. In some universities (at least in the US), "applied physics" is a different department from "physics", rather than a field under physics. So does your question concern getting a degree in "applied physics" vs "physics", or what field (concentration or specialty) in physics to specialize in (e.g., solid-state, plasma, high-energy, ...)?
The specialization offered through the physics programs is applied physics, this is in contrast to the other specialization of astrophysics
 
smartdude00111 said:
The specialization offered through the physics programs is applied physics, this is in contrast to the other specialization of astrophysics
Thanks for the clarification. I'll leave it for those familiar with the Canadian system to respond.
 
CrysPhys said:
Thanks for the clarification. I'll leave it for those familiar with the Canadian system to respond.

Different universities in Canada have different systems in places with respect to physics.

Some universities (like my alma mater, University of Toronto) only have one physics department in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, with one program in physics, with joint programs offered through other departments, and an interdisciplinary Engineering Science program, offered through the Faculty of Engineering, where engineering physics is offered as a registered option. In other universities, there are separate departments between Physics and Engineering Physics (McMaster University), or separate degrees offered within one Physics department (University of Waterloo, University of Guelph, etc.)
 

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