Physics
Physics Heading link
Physics provides the ability to think critically to solve complex issues and analytic skills needed in an array of industries including medicine, economics, finance, engineering, law, public policy and more! The UIC Department of Physics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers course work leading to several undergraduate degrees. Each degree program is designed to prepare students for different postgraduate career opportunities.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Physics degree program is designed to prepare students for a variety of career choices. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics degree program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in physics and is a solid foundation for graduate study in physics or a related field. A very attractive option for many students majoring in another discipline is to pursue a minor in physics. We offer a large variety of course options for students to tailor the minor in physics to match their future career interests. A physics minor on your transcript will not go unnoticed!
See how other students found their fit below with this major!
Alumni Highlights Heading link
Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their physics major to a professional path!
- Calibration Technician, Calibration Laboratory, LLC
- Consultant, Slalom Consulting
- Data Systems Coordinator, Mrkterv Holdings, Inc.
- Experimental Physicist, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- Imaging Science Lead, Tempus, Inc.
- Radiation Safety Technician, Environmental Health and Safety Office, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Radiation Oncology Physics Resident, Cleveland Clinic
- Research Assistant, Argonne National Laboratory
- Software Engineer, Enterprise Peak
- Telescope Operator and Facilitator, Adler Planetarium
Unique Skills and Competencies Heading link
In addition to the foundational set of skills and competencies you will acquire in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your physics major. Review the list below to learn more:
- Ability to think critically to solve complex issues
- Ability to identify what the right questions are
- Ability to collect and analyze data
- Ability to apply complex statistical methods to draw conclusions and assess uncertainties
- Confidence to solve hard problems in new and creative ways
- Technical knowledge and skills: computer literacy, operation of electronic equipment, simulations
- Good written and verbal communication skills and good listening skills
- Development of personnel, budget, and project management skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in diverse and international environments
Industry Clusters Heading link
There are many work place settings, industries, and career areas where you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other physics majors have transitioned into professionally. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?
- Astronomy and Space Physics
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Chemical Physics
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Geophysics
- Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
- Law and Legal Services
- Medical Physics
- Optical Physics
- Research
- Writing and Editing
Meet Neti Bhatt! Heading link
“As a physics major, I can certainly say that I have improved my problem-solving skills. It has trained me to look at a problem in different ways. Studying physics has force me to think critically. Physics classes has taught me how to handle confusing information thrown at me. These skills are applicable to most of jobs out there. Therefore, physics majors have higher chances of getting a job out of their major.”
Meet Lopa Bhatt! Heading link
“I like challenging myself. I like learning things that are abstract. That drew me to physics. My future goal has always been to do research and teach at university. Physics is a research field with a lot of research opportunities. Working at a research university like UIC will let me teach while doing research.”