Physics

Discoveries by physicists, like quantum phenomena and the Big Bang Theory, have transformed our view of the natural world. Inventions like the transistor and the laser have fueled the modern technological revolution. We can look forward to even more exhilarating breakthroughs in the future - a future that holds exciting opportunities for the physics students of today. The American Institute of Physics (AIP) hosts the Statistical Research Center, which provides important information about the employment of physics degree-holders. Visit Who is Hiring Physics Bachelors? and Latest Employment Data for Physicists for more information.
How Can You Tell if Physics or Engineering is for You?
Are you the kind of person who is curious about how mechanical or electrical devices work? Are you good at mathematics or with computers? Are you eager to discover new concepts and see how they can be applied to real world problems? If so, there is a good chance that physics or engineering will challenge and excite you - and that one of our programs at UWL will be right for you.

Physicists work in a wide variety of professions in science, technology, and education. Physicists can conduct basic research at a university or a national laboratory, or applied research in an industrial or commercial setting. Experimental physicists usually work in a lab and seek to test hypotheses and theories, to make discoveries of new phenomena, or to develop new applications of ideas. Theoretical physicists use mathematics to develop explanations of experimental data, formulate new theories, and make new predictions hypotheses. Recently, a third branch of physics has emerged, computational physics, in which high-performance computers are used to do calculations which cannot be done analytically, or to simulate experiments that are difficult or impossible to perform in a laboratory. Physicists also communicate their ideas by presenting scientific papers, writing patents, developing software, or by teaching at the university and high school levels.
What Do Engineers Do?

Career Opportunities
If you choose to seek employment immediately after earning your baccalaureate degree in physics, the UW-La Crosse physics program prepares you for a wide variety of positions. The diverse nature of our program makes UW-La Crosse graduates highly sought after in modern industries where applied physics and engineering physics are employed. Other opportunities include research and design positions, quality control and product testing, mathematical and computer modeling, and sales of technical equipment.

Physicists and engineers can often be found working side by side. Because UW-La Crosse physics majors are highly trained in experimental techniques, mathematical analysis, and computation, they have the knowledge base and flexibility to meet numerous career challenges.