Programs Why are there so few physics majors?

[DeepSpace9]

How come people who major in physics go into so many different job fields? My major is astrophysics, and I want to do nothing but independent research, working in labs, and being a scientist. Why go into another field of work? Why major in physics if you want to be an engineer?

 

[daric soldar]

How come people who major in physics go into so many different job fields? My major is astrophysics, and I want to do nothing but independent research, working in labs, and being a scientist. Why go into another field of work? Why major in physics if you want to be an engineer?

There aren't enough pure physics research positions in the world for every single physics graduate. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that's just the way the world works. Supply and demand. There are many more positions in engineering to go around. Once you get outside the comfortable halls of academia, sometimes you have to take a job you weren't aspiring for in order to pay the bills.

 

[X-rays]

I read this thread now and I am too bit confused about the job opportunities.I would like some help from sir(PF Mentor).As I am new as a member of PF,I don't how to contact Mentor directly,so I am replying by this thread.Basically, I am also doing BSc in physics(in India) and now I am in second year of it.I am often discouraged by saying that "you won't get a good job",but my parents support me inspite of the comments given by others.I love physics and plan to do my career in research field if I have the opportunity.But incase if I fail to fulfill my dream,I would like to know the job opportunities for an MSc in Physics.I like Astrophysics.I would sincerely need your guidelines,because even if I am a girl,I don't want to be dependent and I want to prove to those who discourage me that, this line is not bad as a career option too.They prefer Engg.to my choice.But I personally like what I have chose and I want to prove myself and make the best of it.Please help.

 

[X-rays]

A large part of it is the uncertain career outlook. If you are an engineer, you can almost certainly get a job in a technical field right out of college. Physics majors, on the other hand, end up all over the place (insurance, finance, teaching high school, programming, etc). If you want a job in a traditional technical field, engineering is a much safer bet. For most people who have an interest in physics, an engineering degree is a better path to their long term goals.

Of course, if your goal is to learn some physics (and who cares if you never get a chance to do anything with your knowledge), then its a great major. Its a good stepping stone to lots of other graduate disciplines (lots of physics majors get engineering or economics masters degrees), and its an interesting field of study.

In later posts you are saying that physicsts don't get a good job and likewise.If you are so negative about physics you rather don't study it.Because after all its the principles of the scientists that you engineers have theory material for your machines. If scientists can discover such brilliant theories they can very well make machines.Also how are institutes like IISC,NASA,IIA(India)etc. running very well.Its all about how you see at the things,if you decide something's not good in your mind,then even the god can't change your opinion let alone humans.
I am just telling that look around yourselves there are vacancies in Universities like IISC,IIST,(INDIA) and also in abroad for professors ,because as everyone is running after Engg. there are no one left to teach .How can you say that there are no jobs.And if you are thinking that the job of a professor is not a good one,you are mistaken.

 

[Karimspencer]

It depends on which school you go to, doesn't it? If you were at Caltech, then the statement would no longer be true.

Glad you are enjoying Newtonian mechanics. Physics didn't get fun for me till E&M and quantum.

I agree with R.P.F , it depends on the colleges, caltech and MIT are full of physics and mathematics majors.

 

[thegreenlaser]

The reason I picked electrical engineering with a physics minor rather than a physics or math major was almost entirely because of career outlook. I talked to people in all three departments, and the answers I got in the math/physics departments to "What can I do with this degree?" were sketchy at best. The impression I got was that while there are great career paths, you'll have to work your butt off for them, and even then you can't be certain you'll end up doing something directly related to your major. What solidified my decision was when I realized there are some very physics/math heavy areas of electrical engineering. I realized that just because most engineers shy away from theoretical physics and math doesn't mean that that's a requirement for engineering. So in engineering with a physics minor, I get most of the theory that I'm interested in, but because I learn how to apply it to design problems, I'm more marketable to an employer. That's not to say that it's impossible to get a good job as a physics major, it just seems like an engineering degree is much safer career-wise. (If you're looking strictly for technical positions)

 

[HallsofIvy]

You've got no idea how many times people have said I must be able to do sums in my head because I've told them I study maths and physics -.-

One of the signs of a good mathematician is a complete inability to balance his checkbook!

 

[adianamonet]

I agree. People always tell me that I must be good with numbers.

Yes! It's the same with me. I usually just look at them with a blank stare lol. There are a lot of numbers to remenber though, so I guess a person would have to be good with numbers.

 

[heatengine516]

I wish the member twofish-quant still posted here. After reading several of his posts in various threads, it seems like he chose physics for reasons extremely similar to why I am now...

 

[mildredx]

A Physic major can also be an engineer, but the same doesn't hold true visa versa