Careers & Outcomes

What can I do with a Physics degree?

Physics encompasses the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the smallest particles, and underlies many pivotal scientific discoveries. Physics graduates have skills that are in high demand in diverse sectors, including medicine, research, engineering, computer science, business, and education.  About half of students earning a bachelors in physics pursue a PhD in order to further their employment opportunities.

  • The analytical skills that physicists learn make them versatile and adaptable, so they have a reputation as problem solvers... and work in interesting places.
  • Physics brings a broad perspective to any situation. This inventive thinking makes physicists desirable in any field.
  • Employers know that a physicist brings additional skills with expertise and pay accordingly. That's why physics graduates can typically expect career salaries similar to those of computer science and engineering majors.

WashU physics majors have gone on to graduate studies, medical school, academia, and internships, as well as employment in diverse fields such as engineering, government, and research.

Career Center

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Resources and Tools

Whether you need assistance with writing a resume, applying for graduate school, or finding an internship, we are here to help!

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Outcome Data

Every year the Career Center at Washington University surveys the graduating class to gather information about their post-graduation plans. They've compiled data for the past 3 years so you can see exactly what EPS graduates have gone on to do immediately following graduation.

Outcome Data

What does a career with a Physics degree look like?

The American Institute of Physics provides information and resources about physics careers, salaries, job boards, and more.

Explore the AIP Employment Data

Post-Grad Employers of Recent Students

  • Accenture
  • Belvedere Trading
  • Boeing
  • Capital One
  • CORO
  • Epic
  • Geico
  • Graphiq
  • Less Annoying CRM
  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Open DNS
  • PhysAssist Scribes
  • QuEST Global
  • SAGA Innovations
  • Sudvarg Digital Solutions
  • Teach for America
  • Tribe Dynamics
  • US Federal Government
  • US Senate
  • University of Texas - Austin
  • Washington University in St. Louis

Our Students' Recent Graduate Schools

Case Western Reserve University
Cornell University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Michigan State University
Ohio State University
Pennsylvania State University
Princeton University
Rice University
Stony Brook University
University of Arizona
University of California - Berkeley
University of California - Los Angeles
University of Chicago

Internships (Pre- and Post-Grad)

  • Boeing
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb
  • Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
  • California Institute of Technology
  • Capital One
  • Duke University
  • Epic
  • IBM
  • Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Milwaukee Brewers
  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Additional Resources to Explore Physics Careers

  • Careers Toolbox

    From the national Society of Physics Students, a wealth of information to help you find success in your path toward success.

  • Employment Statistics

    Detailed information from the American Institute of Physics

  • Career Resources

    Job listings and other resources from the American Institute of Physics

  • Job Listings & Resources

    Library Guide from the Physics Library at WashU with detailed career information and research

  • Young Scientist Program

    The Young Scientist Program is designed to attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds into scientific careers through activities emphasizing hands-on research and individualized contact between young people and active scientists.

Yiyang Zhang

"I have been a graduate student in the Physics Department of WashU for four years, and I am really enjoying the life here. Everyone in the department is easy to get along with, and all the professors are willing to provide academic support. With the resources and opportunities provided and the nice atmosphere created by the department, I am able to focus on my academic goals and am ready to pursue my career after graduation."

―Yiyang ZhangPhD Candidate