Which Jobs Require Physics Coursework?
Physicists attempt to explain the phenomena of the natural world, using mathematics and highly technological equipment. The study of physics is also essential to many other jobs because it teaches scientific problem-solving skills. If you want to know what jobs require physics coursework, keep reading.
Physics Coursework Overview
Regardless of profession, jobs in the scientific field normally require extensive education and training. Entry-level education for most jobs starts at a bachelor's degree, with many requiring a master's or even doctoral degree. Many medical, scientific, and engineering careers require people to take physics coursework. Courses can be found in a standard physics degree, but physics coursework is often included in the curriculum of related fields such as computer science.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutPhysicsCoursework">Important Facts About Physics Coursework</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Program Levels</td><td> Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> Undergraduate programs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent; graduate programs may require at least a bachelor's degree and prior physics coursework</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses </td><td> Electricity & magnetism, modern physics, mechanics, optics and many others</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $151,580 (<i>for Physicists</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 8% (<i>for Physicists</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h2 id="section---JobsThatRequirePhysicsCoursework">Jobs That Require Physics Coursework</h2><p>As noted above, physics coursework is essential for a number of careers, some of which are outlined below.
</p><h3 id="section---MedicalCareers">Medical Careers</h3><p>As an undergraduate pursuing a career in medicine, you'd typically complete courses in biology, chemistry and the humanities. You will also need to take and pass courses in physics that will introduce you to the physics of electricity, thermodynamics, nuclear science, and optics. These courses are usually complemented by corresponding lab courses.
</p><p>Programs geared toward medical support careers also include physics in their curricula. These programs include undergraduate studies in health science or health technology that can lead to careers as a physician's assistant, occupational therapist, sonographer, nuclear technologist or vascular technologist. These programs all require coursework in physics and other sciences.
</p><h3 id="section---EngineeringCareers">Engineering Careers</h3><p>Many areas of engineering require you to take coursework in general physics. Bioengineering programs prepare graduates to contribute, through research and development, to the healthcare industry. Chemical engineering graduates work to research, test and develop chemicals and chemical-related products for a variety of uses. Aeronautic or aerospace engineering majors are required to take not only general physics but also courses in electric and optical physics, material mechanics and thermodynamics. These courses will help you to learn principles such as aerodynamics, heat atmospheric vehicle design, orbital mechanics and vehicle propulsion.
</p><h3 id="section---ComputerScienceCareers">Computer Science Careers</h3><p>Computer scientists are responsible for developing new technologies for computer hardware, software, information technology, and the World Wide Web. Most computer science bachelor's programs require that you take general physics theory and lab courses.
</p><h3 id="section---AdvancedPhysicsCareers">Advanced Physics Careers</h3><p>If your goal is to advance into higher physics work such as nuclear, particle, optical, mathematical or theoretical physics, you must first get your bachelor's degree in the study. Bachelor of Science programs in physics prepares you to continue on to a master's degree and Ph.D. programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a doctoral degree is typically the minimum educational level required for physics research or postsecondary teaching (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Courses will help you to understand how to solve problems in classical mechanics, waves, optics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, atomic physics and special applications such as astronomy, meteorology, geology, and atomic structure.
</p><p>Bachelor of Arts programs in physics can help prepare you to teach physics or the physical sciences at the secondary school level, according to the BLS. A bachelor's degree can also prepare you for physics careers as a research assistant or technician. Courses first stress basic physics principles, then continue with studies in waves, optics, electricity and mathematical methods. Laboratory work focuses on gathering and understanding of data analysis.</p>