Become a physicist

About 20% of our graduates go on to careers in particle physics, astrophysics, materials physics, medical physics, etc. For example, Zach Stottler '15 is doing research in elementary particle physics with the Belle II Collaboration and is working toward a PhD at Virginia Tech.

Become an engineer

Over half of our students pursue careers in engineering through graduate work or through the dual degree program. Krista (Morris) Blessing '10 earned a masters degree in structural engineering from the University of Minnesota and now is a practicing structural engineer in Rochester, MN.

Become a teacher

Becoming a physics teacher is a great way to pass on your love of science to others.

Clara Olson has been teaching high school science since 2013 when she graduated from Luther with a major in physics and a minor in secondary education.

Enter into other technical fields

Examples: Computer programmer, technician

Alex Rigdon '13 works as a process engineer at Polar Semiconductor, Bloomington, MN. The outfit he is wearing is so that he can enter the cleanroom where they create electronic devices out of semiconductors like silicon.

Pursue other careers

Examples: military officer, actuary, musician, doctor

Several of our physics graduates have gone on into careers into the military. Tory Hegrenes '01 is U.S. Navy lieutenant and flight officer. Hegrenes graduated from the Navy's Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in 2007 with follow-on orders to Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic (SFWSL). There he served as Close Air Support and Special Operations Integration subject matter expert. He was the branch head of the Navy's East Coast Forward Air Controller Airborne division.