Physics bachelor’s one year after degree

The number of physics bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United States is at an all-time high. The 7,329 physics bachelor’s degrees awarded in the class of 2013 represents a doubling of degrees conferred since a recent low in 1999. With this unprecedented number of physics bachelor’s degrees being awarded, it is important to provide students pursuing these degrees with information about the career paths available to them.

The AIP Statistical Research Center (SRC) collects and disseminates data on the initial career paths of physics bachelor’s and has recently published a report, Physics Bachelor’s One Year After Degree. New physics bachelor’s typically follow one of two paths: enroll in graduate school or enter the workforce. About 60% of the physics bachelor’s from the classes of 2011 and 2012 chose to enroll in a graduate program, the majority of which were in physics or astronomy departments. Most students enrolled in graduate physics or astronomy programs were well supported with teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. About 40% of the new physics bachelor’s entered the workforce. A detailed report on the initial employment of physics bachelor’s will be published by the SRC later this year.

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About 60% enroll in a graduate school and about 40% enter the workforce