by our College Data Analytics TeamA major of Engineering Physics focuses on the use of physics when analyzing and evaluating engineering problems. You will learn computational physics, superconductivity, applied thermodynamics, how materials react in high and low temperature, and space science research. By blending physics and engineering you will learn how these areas support and interact with each other. This knowledge will allow you to become a master problem solver.
Courses you may across in engineering physics include: physics, calculus, statistics, strength of material, chemistry of materials, algebra, chemistry, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and electricity and magnetism.
A degree in Engineering Physics explores Engineering Physics. Continue reading for the important information every engineering physics major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering engineering physics programs.
Across the country, engineering physics is a widely-pursued major, with 1,049 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Engineering Physics Schools ranking analyzes these 108 schools to determine the best overall colleges for engineering physics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of engineering physics programs later in this article.
Programs in Engineering Physics build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations engineering physics graduates commonly enter.
Studying physics and engineering is a challenge reserved for the boldest and brightest of students. Be prepared to work hard in your classes and don't be intimidated to ask for help from either your classmates or your professors. All your hard work will pay off as you will get to engage in fascinating research ranging from topics such as space science, thermodynamics or nuclear engineering.
As a student you will get to practice and learn how to use high tech equipment in the lab. Through experiments and research you will be prepared to create engineering solutions through your enhanced understanding of the both physics and engineering. You should also be prepared to work on your communication skills so that you can clearly articulate your findings.
Skills emphasized by a engineering physics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a engineering physics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several engineering physics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 21 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 658 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 270 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 100 |
People currently working in careers related to engineering physics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 26.5% |
| Master’s degree | 11.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 6.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.0% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.8% |
| Some college courses | 2.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.4% |
| First professional degree | 1.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in engineering physics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
You have many careers you could pursue with an engineering physics degree. You could get a position in research or development at a high technology industry or you could find a job in a national laboratory or at a university. If you continue on in education you could land a job as a staff engineer, a scientist, or even a technical director. You could also earn your master's degree in business, law, or go to medical school. This degree is flexible and the skills you learn during undergrad can be applied to many different topics.
Majoring in engineering physics prepares you for many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to engineering physics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to engineering physics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of engineering physics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $65,109 |
| 4 years | $75,565 |
| 5 years | $91,340 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for engineering physics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers engineering physics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Physicists | $111,776 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
With 108 different engineering physics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased engineering physics school rankings to help you.
Those considering engineering physics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering Physics/Applied Physics | 1,049 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
