<p>I've loved physics, and I'm really good at the subject (I got a 5 in AP Phys C even though our school doesn't offer any AP courses so I had to self study). Though I really want to pursue physics or something closely related at college, I'm starting to wonder if it'll pay off. Looking at the current state of the economy and the high unemployment statistic, will a physics major leave me unemployed with few options but grad school? Also, I'm an international, so things will be much, much harder for me.</p>
<p>As opposed to that, a lot of people are telling me to do economics or applied mathematics with a concentration in econ, and then go work for a white collar firm.</p>
<p>Like most science degrees physicists are paid well and there is quite a bit of job growth predicted (14% in 10 years). It is competitive though, its not a huge segment. Also you will need a graduate degree to be competitive. So yes if you are looking for something you can go right into the marketplace after 4 this might not be the best choice. </p>
<p>Mathmatics I can understand but im not sure about econ. Best job opportunities will be in tech jobs like IT and anything health care.</p>
<p>There appear to be more physics graduates (even at the PhD level) than physics jobs. However, physics graduates are often seen as being smart people who can handle math and similar concepts, and are often seen as decent “second choice” candidates in areas like finance, computer software, and some areas of engineering. While someone who majored in math/statistics, CS, or the specific area of engineering would be the first choice for such a job, being a physics major seems to be a lot better than being a biology or literature major in terms of job prospects.</p>
<p>A few elective courses or minor in such areas may be useful to improve your backup plans. Some such courses may also support your physics major if you do continue in physics research.</p>
<p>Don’t let anyone tell you a major is not “worth it.” Study the field you genuinely love and in that, you will make connections with people who will help to open doors for your future. If you work with something you love, you’ll find a way to be successful in it.</p>
<p>By all means major in physics if it is what you are passionate about. I have advised physics majors for many years at [Illinois</a> Institute of Technology](<a href=“http://www.iit.edu%5DIllinois”>http://www.iit.edu) and while about 30% do go on to graduate school, the rest find good jobs. They are not necessarily working as physicists but employers appreciate the perspective that physics majors bring to a job. I have had my advisees go to work in the software industry, for major energy companies, the insurance industry and in radiation protection.</p>
<p>@RacinReaver that is correct but not for the reasons you cite. What a physics major learns is how to describe physical phenomena mathematically. This is a skill which can be applied to many different fields which are not specifically physics. ;)</p>
<p>I’ve been reading through the posts, and I find them really helpful; I love physics, and I’m a straight A student, but I’ve never really felt challenged in a physics class, so I hope it’ll get harder (and more interesting) in college.</p>
<p>The reason I’m not pursuing a degree back home is because there’s this almost discriminatory slant against people who do liberal arts, including physics and math. I’ve seen family friends tell my parents, “Put your son in a good engineering school and spare yourself the shame; my daughter is doing English literature at Stanford.”</p>
<p>The primary argument that my parents have against me doing a major in government or econ like I originally planned to do is that, while I’m a top student for the humanities, I’m equally gifted in science, and according to them, that’s “not something everyone has; do engineering, anyone can teach history.”</p>
<p>Oh yeah, and I completely forgot to mention, I wanted to do finance. Hence the planned government/econ major.</p>