Career Options
Careers for Math/Physics Majors
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Computer Programmer
- Teacher/Professor
- Architect
- Actuary
- Software Engineer/Developer/Programmer
- Urban Designer
- Stockbroker
- Public Utilities Analyst
- Population Ecologist
- Foreign Exchange Trader
- Statistician
- Air Traffic Controller
- Climate Analyst
- Pollster
Starting Salary*
A mathematics major’s typical starting salary is $45,272. The typical salary after 10-19 years is $84,866. A physics major’s typical starting salary is $47,111. The typical salary after 10-19 years is $93,115.
*Note: Salary information is provided for general reference only. APU does not guarantee the accuracy of the figures listed, and cannot predict or promise a specific salary for any graduate. For the most current salary estimates, please visit www.payscale.com.
Job Titles Held by Former Math/Physics Majors
- Physicist, Medical/Cancer Treatment Research and Development-Proton Beam Therapy, Hitachi America Ltd
- Manager, Statistical Programming, Quintiles, Inc.
- Math Educator, Assessment Technology
- Simulation Specialist, Raytheon Missile Systems
- Director of Information and Technical Services, Kansas Electric Power Cooperative
- Program Analyst, Census Bureau
- Director of Institutional Retirement Plans, CPS & Associates Investment Advisors
- Computer Consultant, IET Company
- Health Physicist, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Major, United States Air Force, United States Strategic Command
- Deputy Director, Division of Math Sciences, National Science Foundation
- Associate Scientist, Midwest Research Institute
Famous People with Math/Physics Degrees
- Stephen Hawking (mathematical physicist)
- Christopher Wren (architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral)
- Bram Stoker (author of Dracula)
- Carl Rowan (nationally syndicated columnist)
- Ralph Abernathy (civil rights leader)
- Albert Einstein (scientist)
- Harry Blackmun (retired Supreme Court Justice)
- David Dinkins (former major of New York)
- Ira Glasser (Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union)
- John Maynard Keynes (economist)
- Dennis Ritchie (co-creator of C and UNIX programming languages)
- Philip Glass (composer)
Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.
