Physics

As a physics major, you’ll develop analytical and problem solving skills while being able to customize your studies. You’ll take a common core set of courses and can then choose a concentration that complements the core, such as physics, or an interdisciplinary concentration such as chemical physics, geophysics, astrophysics, biophysics, applied math, philosophy of science, computer science, etc. The combination of biology/chemistry as a concentration is appropriate if you’re pre-med; you can also create an individualized concentration with courses in physics-related economics, history, law or business.

Sample classes

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive, rather they are a sampling of the data. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

What can you do with a degree in Physics?

Graduate school:

In 2022, 64% of physics majors embarked on graduate school journeys. They pursued various advanced degrees, with 75% focusing on their PhD, 12% working towards an MEng, 7% dedicated to an MS, and more. Their graduate field interest ranges from physics (58%) to computer science (4%) and applied physics (3%).

These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Stanford University, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Employment: 

30% of physics graduates secured employment, and the majority entered sectors in technology (32%), financial services (12%), and consulting/professional practice (9%). Goldman Sachs, Google, and Microsoft were the top 2022 employers.

Where 2022 Physics Graduates Work

Employer	Job Titles
Amazon	Software Engineer
Epic Systems	Software Developer
Goldman Sachs	Engineering Analyst
Google	Marketing Specialist
Mercer	Health Analyst
Microsoft	Software Engineer
UnitedHealth Group	New Product Development Analyst