• Radiation: Scientists in radiation physics assess and use scientific principles to improve human welfare.
• Nuclear: Those in nuclear physics study atomic nuclei and apply their recordings to developments in nuclear weapons technology, medications and power production.
• Optics: Professionals in optics focus on researching the power and behavior of light and its relation to forms of matter, x-rays, radio waves, and other vital components.
• Molecular: Molecular physicists deal with molecules and their interaction with atoms.
• Chemical: Physicists in this realm study the arrangement of ions, polymers and other phenomena that influence chemical reactions and energy movement. 

• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Doctorate Degree: 5 to 6 years to complete

Typically, physicists need a PhD to conduct independent research. However, many recipients of bachelor's and master's degrees obtain jobs as research assistants or for careers related to engineering and technology. Accreditation agencies, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs often accredit specialty programs in the industry. A bachelor's degree in physics is offered at a private college or public university and typically takes four years to complete. Programs provide individuals with basic knowledge in mathematical and scientific concepts. Core classes include optics, atomic physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.

While bachelor's degrees in physics do not usually enable graduates to teach or conduct substantial research, they are qualified to work as technicians in computer science fields or engineering and assist doctoral graduates in their research endeavors. Others may become high school physics teachers. Bachelor's degree holders who opt to further their education may pursue a master's degree in physics which requires about two years of fulltime study. This program is usually more research-oriented and focuses on helping students gain experimental experience. Common classes are statistical mechanics, dynamics and electromagnetic theory. Students are normally expected to conclude the project with an oral presentation and/or research-based thesis project. Graduates who do not go on to pursue a doctorate may land research-oriented jobs in private sectors.

PhD programs in physics are intense programs that last an average of six years. Students must undergo countless hours of research, endure rigorous coursework and apply what they have learned in laboratory settings. The end result is a dissertation based on original research. Graduate have the most options in what position they want to hold, ranging from college-level professors to independent researchers.

• Mechanics of Physics: This course introduces students to the concepts of motion as they are defined by the laws of physics. Topics covered in this course include kinetic energy, newton's laws, and other similar concepts.
• Electricity and Magnetism: This course covers the basics of electricity and magnetism. Students can expect to learn about the properties of electrons and the forces at play in magnetic fields and magnetic structures.
• Mathematical Methods: Some version of this course is generally encountered by most physics degrees students. The class covers mathematical concepts including complex trigonometry and calculus as they apply to physics.
• Quantum Mechanics: Quantum mechanics is the study of atoms as they operate on a theoretical, subatomic state. This course covers topics in the field of quantum mechanics, introducing students to such theories as string theory and other quantum mechanical ideas.
• Teaching Physics: This course is tailored toward students interested in a career in teaching physics either at the high school level or postsecondary level. Students also learn about different types of learning and how to tailor to all kinds of students learning methods when teaching physics. 

Although the majority of classes can be taught only online, some classes require the use of complicated and expensive equipment which must be completed on-site in a lab setting. 

• Electrical Engineering: Electrical engineers apply the concepts of electricity to harness its power in a variety of practical settings. Electrical engineers are often placed in the middle position of combining the breakthroughs in science made in labs with the practical application in the field to harness that new technology. 
• Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineering is a term that covers a wide range of different engineering fields, but it generally involves the design and creation of mechanical tools and products such as engines and other devices that use mechanical parts. Engineers apply the concepts of physics to the creation of applicable products for consumer retail. 
• Teaching: Teachers are tasked with the dissemination of complex information to students will little prior knowledge on the subject. Teachers help students learn new concepts through a variety of classroom and homework assignment techniques.