California State University - Fresno

Date: Sep 10 2008
Major: Physics (This Major's Salary over time)
I feel very fortunate that I was in the physics department at CSUF. The department is filled with almost entirely top-notch professors who both command the subject material as well as communicate it very well.

Of particular importance is the opportunity for students to do real research as undergraduates. These professors are approachable and recognize students who are dedicated and interested.

The one thing I cannot stress enough is that you get out of this program exactly what you put into it. You will almost certainly meet the perpetual juniors and seniors who are stuck in limbo instead of on track to graduate. Make friends with the other students who study, get assignments done, discuss course material and have good attendance.

By and large the GE classes felt mostly like a distraction from the major, but there were exceptions such as some of the health science and humanities courses. I advise doing some research on a site like ratemyprofessor to check out the available instructors.

My last bit of advice is for anyone considering this major after having taken some or all of the 4-track classes. They are a good foundation for the upper-division coursework, but expect a vast increase in difficulty. Physics is perhaps the most challenging field of study available and you will work hard, but the rewards are worth it.

Employment after graduating was a snap, even after relocating. Expect to make between 50-60k right out the door as well as have the option for many graduate fields of study (physics is a good stepping stone to things such as medicine, law and of course more physics!)