Careers in Physics
Physics is the fundamental science. By achieving proficiency in the problem-solving skills that physics requires, you will be prepared for success in any career that rewards critical thinking and unique solutions to complex problems.
The major requirements are flexible. Each student, with the help of his or her advisor, may select the courses that best suit his or her interests and abilities.
While understanding physics is critical to success in engineering and applied sciences, the world is also full of “hidden physicists” — those whose undergraduate training in physics prepared them for success in a diverse array of careers, including finance and science policy, to name just two of the recent “hot fields” for physicists.
In addition to pursuing graduate degrees in physics, graduates have pursued a variety of careers after leaving Carthage with physics degrees.
- Research Technician
- Physicist
- Biophysicist
- Geophysicist
- Professor
- Astrophysicist
- Meteorologist
- Attorney, Technology Specialty
- Science/Technical Writer
- Engineer
- Medical Physicist
- Computer Specialist
- Mathematician
Aerospace
Aerospace has been a traditional strength for Carthage, with dozens of alumni actively working in aerospace fields both commercially and within NASA. Read more about the opportunities in aerospace
Applied Physics and Materials
Carthage students are regularly placed in professional masters programs in applied physics, leading to careers in semiconductors, surface science, materials, and laser optics. Our graduates work at companies such as HP, Intel, and Microchip.
Finance, Data Science, and AI/Machine Learning
Carthage alumni are working in data science and AI engineering at companies such as Collins Aerospace, Satori Energy, and Accenture. Finance placements include Ernst and Young, Ameriprise, and e-Trade.
Medical Physics
Carthage has a pipeline of student placements in top M.S. and Ph.D. programs in medical physics, leading to careers in radiation oncology, medical imaging, and radiation therapy.
- Abbott Laboratories
- Ahern
- Alstom Transport
- Astronautics
- U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
- Ball Aerospace
- Barrios Technology
- Boeing
- Cesium Astro
- Collins Aerospace
- Delta Airlines
- Dotomi
- Epic
- Fermilab National Laboratory
- Google, Inc.
- HP, Inc.
- Intel
- Keysight Technologies
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Marvel Soft
- Milwaukee Tool
- MKS Instruments
- MedPro Imaging
- NASA Johnson Space Center
- NASA White Sands Test Facility
- Northrop Grumman
- Northwestern Mutual
- Optofidelity
- Raytheon
- Rockwell Automation
- SC Johnson
- Schoeneck Containers
- Space Systems Loral
- SRF Consulting Group
- US Trust
- Waymo (Google)
- Westosha Central High School
- Colorado School of Mines, M.S. Program in Engineering
- DePaul University, M.S. Program in Astrophysics
- Louisiana State University, M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in Medical Physics
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Ph.D. Program in Medical Physics
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Doctor of Medicine Program
- Northwestern University, Ph.D. Program in Astrophysics
- Purdue University, Master’s and Ph.D. Programs in Aerospace Engineering
- University of California, San Diego, Ph.D. Program in Computer Science
- University of Central Florida, Ph.D. Program in Aerospace Engineering
- University of Colorado, Ph.D. Program in Aerospace Engineering
- University of Colorado, M.S. Program in Aerospace Engineering
- University of Colorado, M.S. Program in Bioastronautics
- University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, Ph.D. in Physics
- University of Iowa, Master’s Program in Geography
- University of Michigan, M.S. Program in Space Engineering
- University of Nevada at Reno, Ph.D. Program in Physics
- University of Oregon, Professional Master’s Program in Applied Physics
- University of Utah, Ph.D. Program in Astrophysics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master’s Program in Nuclear and Chemistry Engineering
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Sciences
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Master’s Program in Economics
- University of Wyoming, Master’s and Ph.D. Programs in Science and Astronomy Education
- Washington University in St. Louis, Ph.D. Program in Physics
Hear about our physics graduates’ experiences at Carthage and about their careers in physics.
Hear from Carthage physics alumni
VISIT THE ASPIRE CENTER FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CAREERS AFTER CARTHAGE›