Every year, Morris physics graduates go on to explore a variety of interesting paths such as graduate school, high school teaching, research, and industry. Morris alumni have enjoyed a great record of success in both academic and professional careers. Two-thirds of physics graduates have pursued advanced degree programs in areas like physics, astrophysics, engineering, mathematics, law, medicine, meteorology, and nuclear power. Our physics graduates have attended graduate programs all across the country, including:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cornell University
- Iowa State University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Ohio State University
- Oregon State University
- Purdue University
- SUNY, Stony Brook
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Colorado
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Maryland
- University of Minnesota
- University of New Mexico
- University of Oregon
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
Morris physics alumni frequently join industry or government research entities and have moved from Morris to diverse occupations, including:
- astronomer
- astrophysicist
- attorney
- computer network specialist
- computer operations manager
- electrical engineer
- financial analyst
- mechanical engineer
- naval officer
- physician
- physicist
- power systems engineer
- quality control engineer
- research assistant
- software analyst
- software engineer
- teacher
With the increasing need for employees with strong high-tech experience, a physics degree is a powerful credential for recent graduates seeking to enter the workplace. Major corporations like 3M, Alliant, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Siemens, General Electric, DuPont, and scores of smaller technology firms are regularly in search of candidates with the analytical and problem-solving skills developed while earning a physics degree.
Physics graduates have many career options open to them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook includes projected growth and median salaries for many occupations. A handful of those most closely related to the experiences of our recent graduates are listed here:
| Occupation | Projected Growth | Median Salary 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmer | 12% | $71,380 |
| Electrical Engineer | 6% | $87,180 |
| Lawyer | 10% | $112,760 |
| Mathematician | 16% | $99,380 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 9% | $78,160 |
| Physicist (Ph.D.) | 14% | $105,430 |
| Physics Teacher (high school) | 7% | $53,230 |
| Sales Engineer | 14% | $87,390 |
| Software Developer | 30% | $90,530 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Growth projections are for 2010-2020.