Physics provides the fundamental foundation for science and technology. Many undergraduate fields of study require one or more courses in physics. The physics major at UWM consists of a variety of physics and astronomy courses that cover both classical and modern (quantum) physics. Besides learning physical principles, students will develop analytic and modeling skills that are prized in the overall job market.

In a typical year, about half of all physics graduates nationwide enter the job market and half enter graduate schools. Of those who take jobs in the private sector, some work in manufacturing and some in service industries. Jobs include research and development, technical service, programming, finance, and marketing. For those employed by government agencies, the most common activities are research, development, and design, though a significant number enter military service each year.

Those who go to graduate schools are equipped not only to study physics, but also astronomy, engineering, mathematics, materials science, biophysics, medical physics, geophysics, and many other fields. UWM students have had outstanding success in being admitted into prestigious graduate school programs.