A survey of 1978-79 bachelor's degree recipients in physics and astronomy was undertaken to determine the graduates' postbaccalaureate plans. Information is presented on: changes in four types of postbaccalaureate plans since 1970; the total number of physics bachelor's degrees granted in the United States; seven characteristics of the physics graduating class of 1979; postbaccalaureate plans of minority group members among the 1979 physics bachelor's recipients; sources of anticipated support for the first year of graduate study for 1974 and 1979; changes in employment outlook for the new physics bachelor's degree recipients, 1972-79; graduates with double majors among the physics bachelors; initial employment of physics graduates with bachelor's degrees, 1973-79; use of physics training by type of employment for physics bachelors, 1979; starting salaries of 1979 physics bachelors; and full-time employment positions of 1979 physics bachelor's degree recipients. Information is also presented on postbaccalaureate plans of successive graduating classes of astronomy bachelors, 1974-79 and characteristics of astronomy bachelors, 1979. (SW)