Physics at Clemson
Clemson · B.A. / B.S.
Physics
- Degree
- B.A. / B.S.
- College / unit
- College of Science
- Locations
- Clemson, South Carolina
- Requirements updated
- 2026–27
About this major
Physics uses mathematics, experiments, and computation to study matter, energy, motion, and fundamental interactions. Students develop analytical and laboratory skills before choosing advanced topics. Clemson offers B.A., standard B.S., and interdisciplinary B.S. routes, allowing different balances of physics depth and complementary study. Laboratory and computational work support this progression.
Clemson program overview (opens in a new tab)Decision snapshot
At a Glance: National Evidence
National evidence for related fields and occupations. It describes groups, not what will happen to one student.
View degree options
Most common positions
- Software developerBuilds and improves software systems. Bachelor's typical. Opens an occupation profile in a new tab.
- Physical scientistInvestigates physical systems through research. Advanced study common. Opens an occupation profile in a new tab.
- Postsecondary teacherTeaches college courses and conducts research. Graduate study common. Opens an occupation profile in a new tab.
National pay
$67,000
Median for full-time U.S. graduates ages 22–27 · 2024
New York Fed category: Physics
Generalized outcomes
- Unemployment
- 6.6%
- Underemployment
- 29.1%
- With a graduate degree
- 67.3%
Related Clemson majors
Clemson decision guide
Before You Choose
What studying it feels like
You’ll use mathematics to describe systems that may not match everyday intuition. Labs and computation test those models, and a strong result still has to survive careful measurement.
One thing to know
Physics is a flexible foundation rather than a single job pipeline. Research careers commonly involve graduate study, while technical work can begin earlier.
Ask yourself
- 1Do abstract mathematical models feel satisfying rather than distant?
- 2Would graduate study fit the physics career you are considering?
Longer-term context
$105,000
National median for U.S. graduates ages 35–45 · 2024
Physics. Group evidence, not a prediction for one student.
Pay source (opens in a new tab)Career preparation
Software work can begin with a bachelor’s degree. Research and postsecondary teaching commonly require graduate study.
Clemson guide sources
Sources & How to Read This Guide
- Clemson undergraduate program inventory and degree requirements Opens in a new tab.
- Labor market outcomes by college major Opens in a new tab.
- ACS PUMS field-of-degree and occupation files, 2018–2024 Opens in a new tab.
- CIP-to-occupation crosswalk and occupation profiles Opens in a new tab.
Most common positions use Census weights in pooled 2018–2024 ACS PUMS data, excluding 2020. The sample covers employed degree holders ages 22–35 who weren’t enrolled. This guide uses Physics (FOD 5007; unweighted n=3,414; direct field match). These are national patterns, not Clemson outcomes.
Physics, General (CIP 40.0801) is compared with the New York Fed category Physics. National evidence describes groups and is not a prediction for one student. Future of STEM is independent and is not endorsed by Clemson University.