Physics major

Colleges and Universities A-Z Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs
1

<p>hey everyone. i’m thinking of becoming a physics major, probably astro. i haven’t taken physics 110 yet, but i will next semester so i have no idea if i can handle it yet. however; it is definitely the subject that interests me most out of all the majors, and i want to be a pilot- which is why i am strongly thinking about choosing astro physics as a major. what i wanted to know was opinion’s about it from actual physics majors, such as facilities, faculty, curriculum, cool programs, etc. and most importantly, jobs in the AF if i can’t be a pilot and jobs after the AF.</p>

<p>any feedback would be awesome. have a great air force day :)</p>

2

<p>One thing you should keep in the back of your mind, a bachelor’s degree in Physics isn't going to get you very far on the outside assuming you want to stay within physics. Depending on your area of specialization and job related experience you could end up with technician level job offers. Plan on obtaining a Masters at a minimum, preferably a Phd. It can be a versatile degree, again depending on what you choose to specialize in. Many people leave high school thinking of physics in terms of Newtonian rather than Quantum. If Newtonian appeals to you think Engineering instead.</p>

3

<p>Your major doesn't matter for becoming a pilot. It will only matter if you want to go to test pilot school which requires a technical major.</p>

4

<p>How much experience do you have in physics? If you only have one or two HS level classes, wait to declare. </p>

<p>Personally, I do not like how the physics department runs things. That being said, I knew a physics major who absolutely loved it.</p>

5

<p>could you expond on what you don't like about the physics department?</p>

<p>oh, and hornetguy, if it helps, i do want to be a test pilot one day. . i have to have a degree in physics or engineering with a GPA of at least a 2.5, but most test pilot applicants have a lot higher. i know it's not a given or anything, but i do want to at least set myself up so the option is there</p>

6

<p>I'm not a big fan of the physics department either. Physics courses (at least in the core) are generally set up so that the average grade is near-failing, and then curved as they see fit. That being said, I was terrible at physics... I just never had a good understanding of it. Still, I pulled off a B in each course.</p>

7

<p>fair enough UCA. But I'd suggest waiting a bit. Talk to the dept and find out when you would need to declare to stay on track too.</p>

8

<p>I'm a physics major. If you have any questions pm me and I'll give you my email address or if you're a cadet I'll come and talk to you about it. But I don't know too much since I've only taken the core. I got A's though so I can at least give you some idea of how to study, etc.</p>

9

<p>i am a cadet, but i am most definitely NOT thinking about declaring this early. i just wanted to know from others what they thought of it. and yes zman, i would like to hear your thoughts on the subject.</p>

10

<p>me too, zman. i shall stalk you to learn more. :D</p>