Careers

Why Major in Physics?

Physics is the fundamental science. By achieving proficiency in the problem-solving skills that physics requires, you will be prepared for success in any career that rewards critical thinking and unique solutions to complex problems. Whether you want to be an engineer, designer, financial or computer consultant, craftsman, researcher, doctor, lawyer, or something completely different, studying physics will be of great value. You gain problem-solving and research skills that apply to every situation you face.

While understanding physics is critical to success in engineering and applied sciences, the world is also full of "hidden physicists" — those whose undergraduate training in physics prepared them for success in a diverse array of careers including finance and science policy, to name just two of the recent "hot fields" for physicists.

In addition to pursuing graduate degrees in physics, recent graduates have pursued a variety of careers after leaving Carthage with physics degrees: Kendra Rand, '03, became a science writer for the American Physical Society in Washington, D.C. Chris Duffy, '03, became a programmer in Madison, Wis. Carrie Pinter, '03, is a high school physics teacher at Central High School in Kenosha, Wis. John Rak, '02, is an advanced manufacturing quality assurance engineer for Abbott Laboratories. Jill Theobald, '01,  is in the M.D./Ph.D. program at Chicago Medical School.

Possible careers

• Research Technician
• Physicist
• Biophysicist
• Geophysicist
• Professor
• Astrophysicist
• Meteorologist
• Attorney, Technology Specialty
• Science/Technical Writer
• Engineer
• Computer Specialist
• Mathematician

Interested in Physics at Carthage?

Prospective physics students are encouraged to talk with faculty members and current students to find out more about the Carthage physics program. Call or write to any of the faculty members below, or contact Admissions.

• Douglas Arion
  Professor of Physics and Hedberg Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurial Sciences
  (262) 551-5864
  darion@carthage.edu
  
• Temple Burling
  Assistant Professor of Physics and Biology
  (262) 551-5963
  tburling@carthage.edu
  
• Kevin Crosby
  Associate Professor of Physics and Computer Science, Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences
  (262) 551-5855
  kcrosby@carthage.edu
  
• Jean Quashnock
  Associate Professor of Physics, Chair of Physics Department
  262) 551-5391
  jmq@carthage.edu
  
• Brian Schwartz
  Assistant Professor of Physics
  (262) 551-6042
  bschwartz@carthage.edu
  

Research Opportunities

Carthage students have access to some of the world's largest observatories. Read more.