Physics is the study of how matter and energy work together. Physicists study natural systems and phenomena such as photons, quarks, atoms, solids, nanostructures, liquid crystals, superconductors, plasmas, sound and other pressure waves, planetary climates, stars, quasars, galaxies and black holes. Physics contributes to the fundamental understanding of nature as well as technological developments such as nanotechnology, superconductors, lasers, magnetic resonance, and space exploration. Colorado Mesa University offers a Bachelor of Science in Physics, an Associate of Science, Liberal Arts: Physics, and a minor in Physics.
The Physics degree at Colorado Mesa University is designed to prepare students for careers in physics
and associated technical fields or for graduate school in physics. The Physics program at CMU allows
students to work closely with faculty members. The program offers low student-to-teacher ratios, which
allows for active involvement from undergraduates in faculty research. The program also offers
numerous opportunities for research in experimental and theoretical physics, and observational astronomy. Students have the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom through independent study and informal individual
mentorship. Colorado Mesa University hosts an active chapter of the Society of Physics Students, which
promotes research, outreach at K-12 organizations, and professional and career development at the
undergraduate level. CMU has many clubs and organizations that can help prepare students for advanced study in their field or build campus and community connections. The CMU Astronomy Club is an active student club hosting regular observing nights with telescopes, community outreach, and trips to the local Grand Mesa Observatory.
• Astronomer
• Astrophysicist
• Biophysicist
• Chemical physicist
• Data scientist
• Financial analyst
• Forensic scientist
• Geophysicist
• Laboratory technician
• Instrumentation technician
• Medical physicist
• Material scientist
• Mechanical engineer
• Meteorologist
• Nuclear physicist
• Optical engineer
• Patent agent
• Process engineer
• Research scientist
• Science teacher
• Science journalist
• Software engineer
• Systems analyst
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Design, operate, and troubleshoot specialized equipment and circuits
• Create computational programs and simulations
• Design and manage research projects
• Gather and analyze data
• Compose technical writing
• Communicate scientific ideas
• Work on a team
• Computer and technology
• Education
• Energy industry
• Journalism
• Financial sector
• Medical industry
• National laboratory
• Quantum technology
• Research and development
• Semiconductor industry
• Software industry
• Telecommunication
Other Physics resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
O*NET-Online: http://www.onetonline.org
The U.S. Department of Labor- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.
- American Meteorological Society
- American Physical Society
- Career Jet
- Indeed
- Physics Honor Society (Sigma Pi Sigma)
- Physics Jobs
- Physics Today
Also check specific organizations and associations, such as the ones listed above, for job opportunities.