We offer a comprehensive sequence of undergraduate courses in physics and astronomy with flexible options for students with varied career goals. Our program extends beyond the professional majors in physics and astronomy. In addition to their regular course work, undergraduate students are encouraged by our department to participate in the varied research activities under way at Rutgers. It is not unusual for our undergraduates to do original research and to co-author articles published in the most prestigious professional journals. Students who complete a B.A. degree from Rutgers Physics and Astronomy are welcome at the most prestigious graduate schools in these fields.
Physicists often work regular hours in laboratories and offices.
At times, however, those who are deeply involved in research may work long or irregular hours. Most do not encounter unusual hazards in their work. Some physicists work away from home temporarily at national or international facilities with unique equipment such as particle accelerators. Astronomers who make observations may travel to observatories, which are usually in remote locations, and routinely work at night. Employment Physicists and astronomers held nearly 21,000 jobs in 1992.