The different areas of physics covered in Cleveland State’s undergraduate program include: atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, biophysics, material science, optics, waves, electronics, astronomy, and medical physics. The field of physics has been instrumental in the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment. Devices and innovations resulting from physics research include the laser, the microwave oven, LCD and plasma TVs, integrated circuits, computer hardware advances, communication advances, new ways of energy production, and other advances.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Bachelor graduates work as research assistants and technicians. They work in the following industries: electronics, semiconductor, communications, aerospace, instrumentation, software development, engineering, and others. Job titles include: radiation health officer or nuclear technician, optical engineer, applications engineer, component evaluations or electronics specialist, and others. In addition, there are many other fields that require a strong science background, such as patent law and technical sales and service. There is also a high demand for bachelor graduates as physics/science high school teachers (licensure needed).

Over 60 percent of bachelor physicists go on to pursue graduate studies in physics or related fields. Master graduates have careers in applied research and development in industry and government, and teaching positions at community colleges. Specialized master’s programs in physics prepare students for a specific career path, such as CSU’s Medical Physics master’s program, which trains scientists to work in medical centers in radiation therapy. Doctoral graduates assume university faculty positions teaching and directing research, direct research in government labs, or work in high-level positions in industry, directing research.