by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Engineering & Applied Physics explores Engineering Physics/applied Physics. A Program Focusing On The Use Of Physics Principles In The Analysis And Evaluation Of Engineering Problems And Other Scientific Applications. Includes Instruction In High- And Low-Temperature Phenomena, Computational Physics, Superconductivity, Applied Thermodynamics, Molecular And Particle Physics Applications, And Space Science Research. Examples: [Applied Physics], [Directed Energy/laser Physics], [Semiconductor Physics]. Read on to learn the key facts every engineering & applied physics major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering engineering & applied physics programs.
In the U.S., engineering & applied physics is a popular field of study, with 1,049 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Engineering & Applied Physics Schools ranking analyzes these 108 schools to determine the best overall colleges for engineering & applied physics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of engineering & applied physics programs later in this article.
Coursework for Engineering & Applied Physics develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations engineering & applied physics graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a engineering & applied physics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a engineering & applied physics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several engineering & applied 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 & applied 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% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in engineering & applied physics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in engineering & applied physics prepares you for a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to engineering & applied physics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to engineering & applied 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% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of engineering & applied physics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise 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 & applied physics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers engineering & applied 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 & applied physics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased engineering & applied physics school rankings to help you.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
