Careers and Outcomes
Spark scientific innovation and discovery
Join a career field of critical thinkers who strive to understand the universe.
Your major in physics will lead you to find technological and scientific solutions in astronomy, energy harnessing, quantum computing, aeronautics and more.
What is physics?
Physics is the study of matter, energy and universal forces.
Simply put, you'll look at ideas and theories about how the world works.
You'll study natural building blocks, like atoms and particles, and phenomena, like gravity and motion.
Be well-versed in multiple sciences
As a physics major, you'll study several technical and scientific topics.
You'll dive into data (mathematics and computer science), space (astronomy), and structural properties (engineering and materials science).
"I really liked [Physics], because it explained stuff like the natural phenomena around me...It can help us test theories, and it can explain stuff around us."
Yashasvi Moon
Student, double major in physics and mathematics, Missouri State
What can you do with a physics degree?
Physics experts improve life on many levels.
Physicists research and develop groundbreaking technologies to advance space travel, communication, computation, health care, finance and more.
Most common job titles
- Aerospace engineer
- Data analyst
- Environmental scientist
- Materials scientist
- Medical physicist
- Nuclear technician
- Quality control specialist
- Quantitative analyst
- Renewable energy specialist
- Research scientist
- Robotics engineer
- Science communicator/writer
- Software developer
Job market in physics, astronomy and materials science
Your in-demand expertise will be valuable for a variety of high-paying careers in physics-related industries.
| Career Path | Median Annual Pay (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace engineer | $130,720 | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Astronomer | $127,930 | 7% (Faster than average) |
| Atmospheric scientists | $92,860 | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Chemist | $84,680 | 8% (Faster than average) |
| Geoscientists | $92,580 | 5% (As fast as average) |
| Materials engineers | $104,100 | 7% (Faster than average) |
| Materials scientist | $106,160 | 8% (Faster than average) |
| Natural sciences manager | $157,740 | 8% (Faster than average) |
| Physicists | $149,530 | 7% (Faster than average) |
These projections are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where do Missouri State graduates work?
The most common workplaces for physics alums are:
- Boeing
- Brewer Science
- Honeywell
- Intel
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
Continue your education
Want to amp up your credentials? A master's degree in materials science is a great next step.