Physics Minor

Aerospace engineers design and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related systems. They address challenges involving aerodynamics, propulsion, structural integrity, and safety. Work is typically done in labs, design firms, manufacturing facilities, or for government agencies like NASA or the Department of Defense.

This field applies engineering principles to agriculture, including machinery design, irrigation, and environmental sustainability. Professionals solve problems such as crop efficiency, soil management, and energy use on farms. Work environments range from offices and labs to agricultural fields and manufacturing sites.

Architects plan and design buildings and structures that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. They address problems involving spatial planning, code compliance, sustainability, and client needs. Work is done in design studios, construction sites, and through frequent collaboration with clients and engineers.

This field focuses on applying engineering principles to healthcare, including designing medical devices and systems. Professionals solve problems like improving diagnostics, patient care, and therapeutic technologies. They work in labs, hospitals, or manufacturing environments, often collaborating with doctors and researchers.

Biological technicians support scientific research by preparing experiments, analyzing samples, and recording results. They solve problems in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. Work environments include laboratories in universities, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.

Chemical engineers develop processes to convert raw materials into useful products like fuels, plastics, or pharmaceuticals. They solve problems related to efficiency, safety, and environmental impact in industrial processes. Work is conducted in labs, manufacturing plants, and engineering offices, often in highly regulated industries.

This field explores the properties and behavior of substances to develop new materials and chemical products. Professionals solve problems related to durability, reactivity, and composition in everything from batteries to medications. Work is typically in labs, manufacturing facilities, or R&D divisions.

Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They solve problems involving structural integrity, environmental sustainability, and public safety. Work environments include engineering offices, construction sites, and government agencies, often requiring field inspections and coordination with contractors.

Network architects design and build data communication networks, from small-scale LANs to global intranets. They solve problems related to scalability, security, and performance. Work is primarily in IT departments, tech firms, or infrastructure consulting roles.

Programmers write and test code that powers software, websites, and applications. They solve problems related to automation, functionality, and system logic. Most work in office or remote environments, often as part of software development teams.

Systems analysts assess and improve IT systems to meet organizational needs. They identify inefficiencies, design solutions, and bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders. Work is typically project-based in offices or hybrid environments.

This field involves designing, developing, and testing electrical systems and electronic devices, from power grids to consumer electronics. Professionals solve problems related to energy efficiency, circuit design, signal processing, and systems integration. Work is typically done in labs, manufacturing plants, or engineering firms, with occasional field work for installations or testing.

Environmental engineers use engineering principles to solve environmental problems such as pollution control, waste management, and water treatment. They work to improve public health and sustainability through infrastructure design and regulatory compliance. The job involves office-based planning, lab testing, and site assessments in both urban and rural environments.

Geoscientists examine Earth’s structure, materials, and processes to understand natural phenomena and resource distribution. They solve problems such as earthquake risk, groundwater contamination, and mineral exploration. Work involves a mix of field research, lab analysis, and computer modeling.

Professionals in this field develop systems and procedures to prevent injuries, illnesses, and property damage in workplaces. They solve problems related to hazard identification, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Work environments include manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and corporate offices, often in collaboration with regulatory bodies.

Hydrologists study how water moves through the environment, from precipitation to groundwater and surface runoff. They solve problems like water scarcity, flood risk, and contamination. Their work informs infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and resource management. Work settings include government agencies, consulting firms, labs, and field sites.

Industrial engineers optimize systems, processes, and organizations to improve efficiency, quality, and safety. They address challenges in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and service industries by reducing waste and improving workflows. Work is commonly office-based, with regular visits to production lines, warehouses, or service environments.

Security analysts protect information systems from cyber threats through risk assessments, monitoring, and incident response. They solve problems like data breaches, malware, and compliance violations. Work is in IT, finance, or government, often requiring security clearances and constant vigilance.

Insurance underwriters evaluate the risk of insuring individuals or entities and decide policy terms and pricing. They analyze data, assess applications, and ensure policies are profitable and compliant with regulations. Problems they solve include identifying high-risk applicants and minimizing financial exposure for the insurer. Most work is desk-based in insurance companies or agencies, with heavy use of specialized software.

Mechanical engineers design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices, from engines to robotics. They solve problems related to energy transfer, materials performance, and mechanical efficiency. Work settings include engineering offices, research labs, and industrial production facilities.

Medical dosimetrists calculate and plan radiation treatment doses for cancer patients, ensuring the maximum effect on tumors while minimizing risk to healthy tissue. They work closely with radiation oncologists and medical physicists. Challenges include treatment precision, patient safety, and equipment calibration. Most work in hospitals or cancer treatment centers.

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They solve problems related to disease prevention, drug development, food safety, and environmental health. Most work in labs for healthcare, research institutions, or biotech companies, often in highly controlled environments.

Professionals in this field develop methods to extract minerals safely and efficiently while minimizing environmental impact. They solve problems involving geologic formations, safety standards, and site sustainability. Work is conducted in remote field locations, mines, and offices, often in collaboration with geologists and environmental engineers.

Admins maintain an organization’s computer networks and servers, ensuring reliability and security. They solve technical issues, manage updates, and support users. Work is hands-on and based in IT environments, with occasional on-call duties.

Nuclear engineers research and develop processes, instruments, and systems involving nuclear energy and radiation. They solve problems related to energy production, medical treatments, and nuclear waste management. Work environments include power plants, research labs, and regulatory agencies, often with strict safety protocols.

Operations researchers apply mathematical models and analytical methods to help organizations make better decisions. They tackle problems in logistics, scheduling, resource allocation, and efficiency. Work is often office-based and involves simulation modeling, optimization algorithms, and business strategy support.

Petroleum engineers design and implement methods for extracting oil and gas from beneath the Earth’s surface. They solve technical challenges related to drilling, reservoir management, and production efficiency. Work occurs in offices, laboratories, and remote field locations such as drilling rigs or offshore platforms.

Project managers lead teams to complete defined objectives on time and within budget. They plan tasks, allocate resources, manage risks, and coordinate stakeholders. They solve problems involving scope creep, time constraints, and team dynamics. Work occurs primarily in offices, though site visits are common in industries like construction, IT, or manufacturing.

This field involves evaluating real estate properties to determine their value for sales, taxation, or investment purposes. Professionals solve issues around property taxation fairness, real estate disputes, and investment decisions. They work in offices, visit properties in the field, and often collaborate with real estate professionals.

Surveyors measure land and map property boundaries for construction, legal, and developmental use. They solve problems related to land ownership, construction planning, and infrastructure projects. Work involves both office-based data analysis and extensive fieldwork with specialized equipment.

Technical writers produce manuals, guides, and documentation that explain complex information clearly. They solve problems related to user comprehension, product support, and regulatory compliance. Most work in tech, manufacturing, or healthcare industries, collaborating with engineers or developers in office settings.

Training professionals design and deliver programs that enhance employee skills and organizational performance. They solve problems related to performance gaps, onboarding, and leadership development. Most work in corporate or government settings, either in-person or through digital learning platforms.

Urban planners design land use strategies to manage growth, infrastructure, and community development. They solve problems involving zoning, transportation, housing, and sustainability. Planners work in government, consulting, and nonprofit sectors, often balancing stakeholder interests.

Professionals in this field build and design websites, applications, and digital experiences. They combine coding skills with design principles to create visually appealing, functional, and accessible digital products. They solve problems related to user experience, performance optimization, and cross-platform compatibility. Work is typically done in an office or remote setting, often as part of a development or marketing team.

Professionals in this field study animal behavior, physiology, and ecosystems. They address issues like species conservation, habitat protection, and wildlife management. Work involves field research, lab analysis, and environmental monitoring, often in partnership with government agencies or conservation groups.