Careers in Physics • Physics • Carthage College

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.

The major requirements are flexible. Each student, with the help of his or her advisor, may select the courses that best suit his or her interests and abilities.

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, graduates have pursued a variety of careers after leaving Carthage with physics degrees.

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

Aerospace

Aerospace has been a traditional strength for Carthage, with dozens of alumni actively working in aerospace fields both commercially and within NASA. Read more about the opportunities in aerospace

Applied Physics and Materials

Carthage students are regularly placed in professional masters programs in applied physics, leading to careers in semiconductors, surface science, materials, and laser optics. Our graduates work at companies such as HP, Intel, and Microchip.

Finance, Data Science, and AI/Machine Learning

Carthage alumni are working in data science and AI engineering at companies such as Collins Aerospace, Satori Energy, and Accenture. Finance placements include Ernst and Young, Ameriprise, and e-Trade.

Medical Physics

Carthage has a pipeline of student placements in top M.S. and Ph.D. programs in medical physics, leading to careers in radiation oncology, medical imaging, and radiation therapy.

Abbott Laboratories
Ahern
Alstom Transport
Astronautics
U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
Ball Aerospace
Barrios Technology
Boeing
Cesium Astro
Collins Aerospace
Delta Airlines
Dotomi
Epic
Fermilab National Laboratory
Google, Inc.
HP, Inc.
Intel
Keysight Technologies
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Marvel Soft
Milwaukee Tool
MKS Instruments
MedPro Imaging
NASA Johnson Space Center
NASA White Sands Test Facility
Northrop Grumman
Northwestern Mutual
Optofidelity
Raytheon
Rockwell Automation
SC Johnson
Schoeneck Containers
Space Systems Loral
SRF Consulting Group
US Trust
Waymo (Google)
Westosha Central High School

Colorado School of Mines, M.S. Program in Engineering
DePaul University, M.S. Program in Astrophysics
Louisiana State University, M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in Medical Physics
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Ph.D. Program in Medical Physics
Medical College of Wisconsin, Doctor of Medicine Program
Northwestern University, Ph.D. Program in Astrophysics
Purdue University, Master’s and Ph.D. Programs in Aerospace Engineering
University of California, San Diego, Ph.D. Program in Computer Science
University of Central Florida, Ph.D. Program in Aerospace Engineering
University of Colorado, Ph.D. Program in Aerospace Engineering
University of Colorado, M.S. Program in Aerospace Engineering
University of Colorado, M.S. Program in Bioastronautics
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, Ph.D. in Physics
University of Iowa, Master’s Program in Geography
University of Michigan, M.S. Program in Space Engineering
University of Nevada at Reno, Ph.D. Program in Physics
University of Oregon, Professional Master’s Program in Applied Physics
University of Utah, Ph.D. Program in Astrophysics
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master’s Program in Nuclear and Chemistry Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Sciences
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Master’s Program in Economics
University of Wyoming, Master’s and Ph.D. Programs in Science and Astronomy Education
Washington University in St. Louis, Ph.D. Program in Physics

Hear about our physics graduates’ experiences at Carthage and about their careers in physics.

See videos created by Carthage physics alumni

Hear from Carthage physics alumni

VISIT THE ASPIRE CENTER FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CAREERS AFTER CARTHAGE