Careers in Physics

It is estimated that the United States will have over 1 million job openings in STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and occupations by 2018.

Salem's new series explores the fields and occupations of science and other emerging fields, emphasising STEM occupations and outlooks and green technologies where applicable. Written for high school and undergraduate students as well as general nonspecialists, this series will provide much needed insight into the career opportunities of this growing filed.

The first title in the series contains over 20 profiles of branches or fields of physics such as Astrophysics, Civil Engineering, Cryogenics and Quantum Physics and over twenty corresponding occupational profiles that highlight a particular career within that branch or field. All essays are written by authors with expertise in science or a related field. Among the fields/careers covered are:

Acoustics - Sound Engineering Technician
Aeronautics and Aviation - Aerospace Engineer
Astrophysics - Astrophysicist
Atmospheric Physics - Meteorologist
Atomic and Molecular Physics - Atomic/Molecular Physicist
Biophysics - Biophysicist
Civil Engineering - Civil Engineer
Classical or Applied Mechanics - Mechanical Engineer
Condensed Matter Physics - Accelerator Physicist
Cryogenics - Cryogenic Engineer
Electrical Engineering - Electrical Engineer
Environmental Physics - Environmental Engineer
Fluid Dynamics - Hydrologist
Geophysics - Oceanographer
Nanotechnology - Nanosystems Engineer
Nuclear Medicine - Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Physics - Nuclear Monitoring Technician
Optics - Photonic Engineer
Quantum Physics - Quantum Physicist
Solid Mechanics - Materials Physicist
Systems Engineering - Robotics Engineer
Thermodynamics - Thermodynamics Engineer

The essays on the fields of physics include Core Concepts; Applications Past and Present; Impact on Industry; and Social Context and Future Prospect. Also included is a fact-based overview of the branch or subfield it covers. The essays on the corresponding occupation profiles include Education and Coursework; Daily Tasks and Technology; Earnings and Employment Outlook; and Related Occupations.

Further reading suggestions accompany all science articles and a listing of occupational web resources accompany all occupational profiles. Every entry also includes sidebars, photos, and graphs illustrating key concepts.