Frequently
Asked Questions
Careers in Physics
SVC Physics Program
SVC Physics Alumni
Saint Vincent College Science Center
What do I do with a Physics Degree?
Physics is a field of study that attempts to systematically explain the natural world around us. From sub-atomic particles - quarks, electrons, and neutrinos - on the smallest scales to largest known objects - clusters of galaxies and the universe itself, physicists observe and experiment in an attempt to understand the fundamental structure of space, time, matter, and energy and the interactions between them.
Physicists are currently employed in basic and applied research at government, university, and industrial centers around the country. In addition, because the study of physics involves problem solving and critical thinking skills as well as utilizing the latest technological advancements in scientific instrumentation and computer software, graduates from physics programs are valued in many different professions. As an example, the world wide web we are using to display this information was invented by physicists at CERN laboratory to facilitate the communication of important scientific research. One needs only read on to the alumni section of this web page to see the wide variety of careers that recent alumni from the program have embarked. The career wheel below from the American Institute of Physics gives a summary of the many career paths taken by physics students around the country.
Click Here for a Larger Version
So, in summary, a degree in physics is a starting point that allows a wide variety of career options. Careers in science, engineering, education, computer science, and business are often begun with a degree in physics. For more information on careers in Physics you may find one of the following web sites useful.
Career Services at the American Institute of Physics
Latest Employment Date from the American Institute of Physics
A List of Companies in Pennsylvania that have Recently Hired Physics Bachelor Degree Recipients
In what ways does the Saint Vincent College Physics Program uniquely prepare me for my future goals?
The Saint Vincent College Physics program affords the professional preparation to either (1) enter top graduate programs in physics or related fields at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, the College of William and Mary, Ohio State University, and the University of Minnesota (just some of the schools chosen by SVC Physics graduates in the last three years), (2) to begin a career in teaching at the middle school or high school level, or (3) to take a scientific or technological position in the public or private sector.
What sets our program apart from others is our small class sizes (10-15 students in junior and senior Physics classes) and the one-on-one focused attention between the faculty and every student. All students participate in a senior project in which they work closely with one faculty member on creative, original research. Saint Vincent College offers many programs such as the A. J. Palumbo Student Research Grants and the Interdisciplinary Student Research Program to financially support student research and travel. In addition many students choose to do summer internships at locations around the country such as NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Langley Flight Center, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Lehigh University (just some of the internships junior physics majors have done during the summer). Many of our student's research projects culminate in presentations at local, regional, or national conferences as well as publications in professional journals.
In addition to working closely with faculty, students work with each other in groups not only in the classroom and laboratory but also in social and community service programs through our Physics Club. Students have a dedicated study space - the Physics Lounge - within the Physics building as well as a small Physics Library. The Physics Club - open to all students interested in physics and astronomy - offers free public planetarium shows produced by student volenteers on Monday and Wednesday evenings during the semester. (Click on Outreach on the menu to the left for more information.) Recent Physics Club special events have included a Halloween "Haunted Physics Building", a life-size Monopoly game, and a field-trip to Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Chicago over Spring Break 2000. The Department of Physics strives to develop a community ("family") atmosphere that students find friendly, nurturing, and inviting.
Besides the student-centered preparation to enter a chosen profession, Saint Vincent College's core curriculum instills a broad general education which acts as the foundation not only for a successful professional career but also for a rewarding life of continuos learning. Following the words of our founder, Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., the college strives to teach first what is necessary, then what is useful, and finally what is beautiful. For our students to meet their objectives they must have not only the technical knowledge within their particular discipline but also the skills and knowledge-base to see problems from an interdisciplinary perspective and the ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. Today, perhaps more than ever, this broad foundation is essential as our leaders, teachers, and scientists confront a variety of problems with economic, social, political, cultural, philosophical, ethical, and religious implications. Saint Vincent College's Physics program is designed to prepare our students to confront these problems and become tomorrow's scientists, teachers, and leaders.
Dr. Micheal Turner, Chair of
the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago
giving the Spring 2001 Threshold on the Twenty-first Century Lecture at
Saint Vincent College "The Evolution of the Universe"
What careers have recent graduates of the Saint Vincent College Physics Program gone on to?