Physics Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Physics major studies matter, energy, motion and the fundamental laws of the universe. Physics majors study mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and optics, with strong math and lab work.

A Physics major includes coursework in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics and more. You build skills such as mathematical modeling, programming, experimental design, and problem solving. Programs often include laboratory work. Typical degrees: bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Typical courses include classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and advanced mathematics. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Physics is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In the latest federal data, 19 colleges reported certificate awards, 135 colleges reported associate awards, 659 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 227 colleges reported master’s awards, and 176 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to physics include physicist, astronomer, materials scientist, semiconductor processing technician, electronics engineer, data scientist, and high school teacher. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include physicist (typical training: 5–7 years after a bachelor’s), astronomer (typical training: 5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs), materials scientist (typical training: 4+ years of study), semiconductor processing technician (typical training: 1–6 months), electronics engineer (typical training: 4-year engineering degree), and data scientist (typical training: 4–6 years).

Physics majors build skills such as mathematical modeling, programming, experimental design, problem solving, and data analysis.

Good pairings include Mathematics (supports the advanced math physics uses), Computer Science (programming is central to modern physics), and Education (physics teachers are in short supply).

Often, yes. Programs commonly include laboratory work. Ask each college how its program arranges hands-on work.

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as physicist, astronomer, and materials scientist, and enjoy subjects like classical mechanics and electricity and magnetism. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

799 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (142), New York (56), Pennsylvania (47), Texas (42), and Massachusetts (30), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

631 of the colleges that offer physics also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Physics studies matter, energy, motion and the fundamental laws of the universe. Biology studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Physics leads to careers such as physicist and astronomer, while Biology leads to careers such as biological technician and microbiologist.

Physics studies matter, energy, motion and the fundamental laws of the universe. Chemistry studies matter: what substances are made of and how they react. Physics leads to careers such as physicist and astronomer, while Chemistry leads to careers such as chemist and chemical technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to physics, such as Physicist Training.