Physical science majors are a curious bunch.
Physical science is ordinarily thought of as consisting of four broad areas: astronomy, physics, chemistry, and the earth sciences, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. Careers for physical science majors will require all the skills learned in school and more. Even after earning the required academic credentials, there will still be many ideas to discover, areas to explore and rewarding jobs to be had for aspiring scientists.
Physical Science Educators
Teachers in all settings must stay current in their areas of expertise.
Plan a career as a K-12 educator or as a professor at a college or university. To be hired as a school teacher, you will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate and often a master's degree. Working as a faculty member in higher education almost always requires a Ph.D. College professors are primarily engaged in teaching but some institutions expect a combination of teaching and research.
Astronomy and Physics
The work of astronomers and physicists may involve sophisticated equipment.
A major in astronomy or physics could lead you to a career involving scientific research. As the College Board explains, physicists study the laws and structures of all that exists in the universe, including gravity and other natural forces. Astronomers' employment opportunities include working in research and development for NASA, other government agencies or universities, or working in planetariums or museums.
Physicists are employed in national laboratories where they design and perform experiments using sophisticated equipment such as lasers, particle accelerators, electron microscopes and mass spectrometers, notes the Occupational Outlook Handbook. If you pursue work as an aerospace engineer, you could build satellites or defense systems, make airplanes faster and safer or design a spacecraft, a space station or an explorer robot like the Mars-roving Spirit, notes the College Board.
Atmospheric scientists---or meteorologists---represent another career for a physical science major. But, as the College Board describes, not all people in this profession work in front of a camera. Many meteorologists work for the National Weather Service making short and long range weather predictions using satellites, radars, sensors, weather stations and computer models; they also identify and analyze climate trends. Atmospheric scientists work in other settings, such as agriculture, air transportation, fishing and shipping; many businesses hire meteorologists to help them make decisions based on the weather.
Chemistry
Chemists are sometimes the unsung heroes of product development.
There are many chemists and materials scientists who apply their knowledge of physical science by working in research and development; they create new products and processes or improve existing ones. Chemical research has led to the discovery and development of synthetic fibers, paints, adhesives, drugs, cosmetics, electronic components, lubricants and thousands of other products. Chemists and materials scientists use computers and a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation for modeling, simulation and experimental analysis. Chemistry job seekers with a master's degree, and particularly those with a Ph.D., will enjoy better opportunities at larger pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.
Earth Sciences
Geologists working in the field must sometimes be willing to gather "rock solid" evidence.
Earth science careers include geoscientists and hydrologists who study the composition, structure and other physical aspects of the earth, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Geologists are needed by the oil industry, environmental consulting firms and by local, state and federal agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Geoscientists can work as specialists such as petroleum geologists who may work for oil or gas companies. Hydrologists often specialize in either underground or surface water and work in jobs where they develop environmental management plans, assess coastal environments or check for soil and water contamination. Engineering geologists may work as advisers on major construction or environmental remediation projects. Seismologists interpret data from seismographs and other geophysical instruments to detect earthquakes and locate earthquake-related faults. Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and volcanic phenomena to try to predict the potential for future eruptions.
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