What jobs can I get with the following degrees

  • Context: Programs 
  • Thread starter Thread starter torquerotates
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Degrees Jobs
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around potential career paths for individuals with degrees in mathematics and physics, exploring various job opportunities beyond academia. Participants share insights on the applicability of these degrees in different fields and the importance of flexibility in career choices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a strong background in math and physics can prepare individuals for a variety of careers, emphasizing the importance of personal ingenuity in gaining relevant experience.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of becoming a physicist as a direct career path.
  • There is a viewpoint that job opportunities may increase if individuals are willing to transition into fields such as finance, management, or accounting, as pure science may not provide sufficient financial stability.
  • Another participant questions the assertion that pure science does not lead to viable job opportunities, citing the existence of many successful pure scientists.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the extent of education required, with mentions of pursuing a BS or MS in math or physics, and considerations for terminal degrees in medicine or pharmacy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of careers in pure science versus other fields, with some arguing for the flexibility of career options while others express skepticism about the financial prospects of pure science careers.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views vary significantly based on personal experiences and assumptions about job markets and educational paths. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the financial viability of careers in pure science compared to other sectors.

torquerotates
Messages
207
Reaction score
0
Math and Physics. Right now I'm a math major but I might switch to physics. what type of jobs are there for these degrees? Besides being a professor of course.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A strong background in these subjects is good preparation for a lot of things, if not direct training for them. It seems to rely a lot on the individual's ingenuity in acquiring experience relevant to what they want to do.
 
torquerotates said:
Math and Physics. Right now I'm a math major but I might switch to physics. what type of jobs are there for these degrees? Besides being a professor of course.

Well, you could become a physicist.

marlon
 
Depends on how far you are planning to take your education...
 
You would find more job opportunities if you are flexible to switch to other career fields, such as financing, management, accounting, etc. Unfortunately, pure science won't bring food on the table.

The only other option is research, for which you will find much more opportunities in China and India because many of the new (industrial) research centers are outsourced there.
 
Kinda like asking, "what can I do with a college degree?" A lot, or maybe nothing, for many different people, in many different places, for a wide range of possible incomes.
 
You would find more job opportunities if you are flexible to switch to other career fields, such as financing, management, accounting, etc. Unfortunately, pure science won't bring food on the table.

That exactly what I was wondering. So by flexiblity you mean that if I have a math degree, its still possible to apply for a job in engineering?
 
Depends on how far you are planning to take your education...

probably just a BS or MS in math or physics. But I'm considering a terminal degree in medicine or pharmacy.
 
nebuqalia said:
Unfortunately, pure science won't bring food on the table.

I don't understand this comment. There are tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of pure scientists around the world who obviously aren't starving. Many who make a living doing pure science frequent this forum, including me. Some actually make a pretty penny. I think your statement is overly pessimistic.
 

Similar threads

Which degree should I take?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
How Hard is it to find a research job with a Master's degree in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Other Do I need a physics degree to get into a physics graduate program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Is electrical engineering a good major for machine learning/AI jobs?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Getting into an engineering career with no degree...
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Admissions Want a PhD in math, but stuck in a physics degree. What to do?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Should I do a math or an astronomy double major for general relativity?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Can I pursue an MS in astrophysics with a BS in studio art?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Courses Maths or Physics: Which Degree is Right for Me?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
6K