<p>I would not consider someone who majored in physics, got a BS, but does not do physics in their job a physicist. Would you consider someone who got a BA in music, but does not play music a musician? Wikipedia says:</p>
<p>A physicist is a scientist who does research in physics.</p>
<p>In most fields I would think someone needs an advanced degree to be properly called a xxxxist.</p>
<p>On the other hand, bosses can say anything they want. If the marketplace objects it will show up in the bottom line.</p>