Physical Science Jobs and Careers

What does the Study of Physical Science Involve?

Physical science explores the study of non-living systems and includes physics, chemistry and earth sciences such as geology, geography and geophysics. The fundamental science of physics looks at the laws of matter, energy and the forces of nature which dictate the interaction of atomic particles (molecules, atoms and subatomic particles). Physics students study Newton’s laws of motion, the theory of gravity, energy, work and power, Kinetic molecular theory and optics, behaviour of light among other topics. Chemists deal with reaction chemistry, spectroscopy, many theoretical areas such as electron configuration and molecular modelling, and the study of organic and inorganic compounds, biochemistry and analytical chemistry. Earth science studies may include oceanography, agrophysics, soil science, geomorphology and geophysics, meteorology or climatology.

Median Wages Earned in Physical Science Careers

What level of education is required for a Job in the Physical Sciences?

The study of science in school appears to be dropping in the U.S.; therefore, there is currently a large demand for those qualified for positions in the physical sciences ranging from technicians to research scientists. Most jobs in the physical sciences require the following levels of education:

1.A diploma from college in a program related to the study of physics, chemistry or earth sciences or a combination of the former tends to be a minimal requirement. College programs will generally lead to a job as a technician or technologist and require two to three years of study preferably with concurrent work-placement opportunities.

2.A Bachelor or Honors Bachelor of Science in one or more of the physical sciences will provide a greater scope of job choice. Work as a science teacher, college professor, engineer and some research lab jobs can be achieved through this level of education.

3.A Master’s Degree or PhD results in the higher paying job opportunities including research physicist or chemist, physician and university professor.

What skills are important in Physical Science Careers and Jobs?

The following aptitudes and skills learned through your program of study are important when considering a job in the physical sciences:

1. Analytical / Critical Thinking / Problem Solving Skills

• You should have an interest and an aptitude for logical activities.
• You should have a fascination with the world around you.
• You should be good at problem solving.

2. Ability to synthesize / Deal with Complexity

• You should be a good team player.
• You should have strong mathematical skills.
• You often must be an expert in your field. This quality is especially important for engineers, research positions and professorships.
• You must be strict in following the rules, as the nature of the work is often hazardous and relies upon reproducible results.

· 3. Research Methodology / Data Analysis Techniques/ Computer Skills/ Detail Oriented/ Precise/ Organized/ Thorough

• You must be a sharp observer, especially in research jobs, because while doing experiments, even minute changes must be noted.
• You must be well versed in the steps of scientific inquiry.
• You must be able to take initiative in starting any task or experiment.

4. Technical Writing / Report Writing

• Your written language skills should be excellent for the preparation of reports.

Examples of Jobs and Careers in the Physical Sciences

Education Resources for Physical Science Jobs and Careers

• Pushing STEM Students Past the 4-Year Degree - Online Degree Programs.com
  When it comes to education and job creation alike, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) seem to be top priority right now.
• Degree Directory.org
  Physical Science | Chemistry Sciences | Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlands Mgmt. | Natural Resource Conservation and Research | Natural Resources Policy and Management
• Careers In Meteorology
  Choosing a Career in Atmospheric Sciences: Employment Opportunities, Educational Requirements, Canadian Institutions Offering Programming
• General Arts and Science - Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option : Fleming College
  The General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option is designed specifically to prepare students for entry into one of our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences diploma programs.

Job and Career Prospects in Various Physical Sciences

• Job Titles and Careers List - Physical Science
  Searching for information about Job Titles and Careers List ? Find resources and articles about adult education, degrees, and diploma programs .
• All Chemistry Jobs in Canada - Wow Jobs
  
• Physics Today Jobs
  Find physics, physical science, engineering, and computing jobs at Physics Today Jobs. Search highly-specialized scientific employment openings in teaching, industry, and government labs.

Check Out Another Of My Job And Career Hubs!

• Life Science Jobs and Careers
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Comments

Teresa Coppens (author) from Ontario, Canada on April 09, 2015:

Happy you found it helpful!

sanasiddiqui on March 10, 2015:

Thanks for describing the scope of physical science in job career.

Pro Shell from Vereinigten Staaten on January 16, 2015:

This is a great piece. I love the detailed content, really good work

Teresa Coppens (author) from Ontario, Canada on March 22, 2012:

Physical science offers so many great job opportunities if you can handle the level of education required. My hubby works in the nuclear power industry and loves his job but it took a degree in physics to do it. Not an easy educational path but the effort was worth it.

Michael S from Danville, VA on March 14, 2012:

Excellent overview of the field of physical science! Very interesting!