Physics

The physics department is actively engaged in the following research areas: Computational Physics, Materials Physics, Physics Education, Optical Physics, and several multidisciplinary research projects. The Department of Physics at Oregon State University has an active graduate-level research program and offers degree programs in physics, and engineering physics . Many options within the physics degree are available, and we also offer a minor in physics. Our interdisciplinary degree in computational physics is receiving national recognition as a model program.

Position Title	Projected Growth (2014-2024)	Preparation Required	2015 Median Wage
Adapted Physical Education Specialists Adapted Physical Education Specialists Position Description: Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $57,670 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition. Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students. Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement. Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records. Assist in screening or placement of students in adapted physical education programs. Skills: Active Listening Instructing Service Orientation Reading Comprehension Social Perceptiveness Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$57,670 per year
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Position Description: Operate, install, calibrate, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $68,620 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions. Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms. Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results. Adjust, repair or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment. Identify required data, data acquisition plans and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Operation Monitoring Speaking Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 4	$68,620 per year
Agricultural Engineers Agricultural Engineers Position Description: Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products. Projected Growth: Decline (-2% or lower) Median Pay: $78,490 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems. Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources. Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries. Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made. Skills: Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Writing Active Listening Pay and Growth More Information	Decline (-2% or lower)	Job Zone 4	$78,490 per year
Air Traffic Controllers Air Traffic Controllers Position Description: Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety. Projected Growth: Faster than average (9% to 13%) Median Pay: $118,740 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems. Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions. Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights. Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations. Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties. Skills: Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Faster than average (9% to 13%)	Job Zone 3	$118,740 per year
Astronomers Astronomers Position Description: Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $110,220 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments. Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers. Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers. Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects. Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals. Skills: Science Active Learning Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Mathematics Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 5	$110,220 per year
Automotive Engineers Automotive Engineers Position Description: Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $88,190 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Conduct or direct system-level automotive testing. Conduct automotive design reviews. Develop engineering specifications or cost estimates for automotive design concepts. Provide technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel. Perform failure, variation, or root cause analyses. Skills: Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$88,190 per year
Biochemists and Biophysicists Biochemists and Biophysicists Position Description: Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $93,390 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology. Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences. Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes. Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research. Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work. Skills: Science Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Learning Active Listening Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 5	$93,390 per year
Computer and Information Systems Managers Computer and Information Systems Managers Position Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $141,000 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity. Manage backup, security and user help systems. Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures. Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery. Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements. Skills: Reading Comprehension Active Listening Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Monitoring Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 4	$141,000 per year
Environmental Compliance Inspectors Environmental Compliance Inspectors Position Description: Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances. Projected Growth: Slower than average (2% to 4%) Median Pay: $69,180 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Examine permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Prepare written, oral, tabular, and graphic reports summarizing requirements and regulations, including enforcement and chain of custody documentation. Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation participate in enforcement hearings as necessary. Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Speaking Active Learning Pay and Growth More Information	Slower than average (2% to 4%)	Job Zone 4	$69,180 per year
Forensic Science Technicians Forensic Science Technicians Position Description: Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $60,090 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques. Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity. Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings. Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes. Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Speaking Writing Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$60,090 per year
Geodetic Surveyors Geodetic Surveyors Position Description: Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources. Projected Growth: Decline (-2% or lower) Median Pay: $61,880 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards. Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the earth's surface. Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data. Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed. Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects. Skills: Mathematics Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Decline (-2% or lower)	Job Zone 4	$61,880 per year
Hydrologists Hydrologists Position Description: Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $83,440 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions. Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters. Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments, such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities. Skills: Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Science Active Listening Mathematics Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$83,440 per year
Mathematicians Mathematicians Position Description: Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $112,560 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry. Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields. Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation. Assemble sets of assumptions and explore the consequences of each set. Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences. Skills: Mathematics Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Learning Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 5	$112,560 per year
Molecular and Cellular Biologists Molecular and Cellular Biologists Position Description: Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. Projected Growth: Little or no change (-1% to 1%) Median Pay: $77,190 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Maintain accurate laboratory records and data. Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results. Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation. Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology. Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary. Skills: Science Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Writing Active Learning Pay and Growth More Information	Little or no change (-1% to 1%)	Job Zone 5	$77,190 per year
Nuclear Engineers Nuclear Engineers Position Description: Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal. Projected Growth: Decline (-2% or lower) Median Pay: $106,060 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations. Direct operating or maintenance activities of operational nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards. Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the safety of operations. Examine accidents to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures. Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Operations Analysis Reading Comprehension Speaking Pay and Growth More Information	Decline (-2% or lower)	Job Zone 4	$106,060 per year
Optometrists Optometrists Position Description: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $115,750 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Examine eyes, using observation, instruments and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma or color blindness. Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids. Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit. Remove foreign bodies from the eye. Skills: Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking Science Reading Comprehension Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 5	$115,750 per year
Physicists Physicists Position Description: Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $118,500 per year Preparation: Job Zone 5 Position Duties: Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers. Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena. Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences. Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood. Skills: Science Mathematics Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 5	$118,500 per year
Quality Control Analysts Quality Control Analysts Position Description: Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $48,360 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples. Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release. Perform visual inspections of finished products. Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses. Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms. Skills: Quality Control Analysis Active Listening Reading Comprehension Monitoring Complex Problem Solving Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 3	$48,360 per year
Radiologic Technicians Radiologic Technicians Position Description: Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $45,730 per year Preparation: Job Zone 3 Position Duties: Position x-ray equipment and adjust controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance. Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff. Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician. Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods. Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation. Skills: Active Listening Speaking Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Operation and Control Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 3	$45,730 per year
Software Developers, Applications Software Developers, Applications Position Description: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers. Projected Growth: Much faster than average (14% or higher) Median Pay: $102,160 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance. Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation. Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces. Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints. Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design. Skills: Complex Problem Solving Programming Systems Analysis Judgment and Decision Making Systems Evaluation Pay and Growth More Information	Much faster than average (14% or higher)	Job Zone 4	$102,160 per year
Technical Writers Technical Writers Position Description: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work. Projected Growth: Average (5% to 8%) Median Pay: $73,350 per year Preparation: Job Zone 4 Position Duties: Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. Maintain records and files of work and revisions. Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel. Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material. Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods. Skills: Writing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Pay and Growth More Information	Average (5% to 8%)	Job Zone 4	$73,350 per year

College of Science

Physics