The Physical Sciences field is multi-disciplinary, allowing students to take classes in mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and more in order to learn the laws of nature, the chemical makeup of rocks and soil and much more. Graduates learn math and science skills that prepare them for careers in a variety of industries.
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Physical Sciences Degrees Trends
#19Most Popular Major
49.5kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
In 2021-2022, physical sciences was the 19th most popular major nationwide with 49,473 degrees awarded.
Our 2025 Best Physical Sciences Schools ranking analyzes 260 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for physical sciences students. Explore this or one of our many other custom physical sciences rankings further below.
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Physical Sciences Degree Requirements
Students who pursue a degree in Physical Sciences have a strong background in math and science, specifically chemistry and physics. Other necessary skills for a successful career in this field include analytical and critical thinking, communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Scientists often work together to solve problems making it important for accurate information to be spread efficiently and project requirements to be thoroughly explained.
Bachelor's degrees in this field may allow for an entry-level position, but a master's or Ph.D. is required for advancement. These additional degrees also give graduates the ability to conduct research, pursue fulltime positions, and lead projects.
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Prior Education for a Physical Sciences Program
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific physical sciences careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Types of Physical Sciences Degrees
Physical Sciences degree levels vary. Physical Sciences programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest physical sciences degree you can get. How long it takes to complete some common physical sciences degree levels is shown below.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to physical sciences, with approximately 32.9% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to physical sciences tend obtained the following education levels.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
33.0%
Master’s Degree
25.7%
Doctoral Degree
19.5%
Post-Doctoral Training
11.8%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
3.5%
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58.4% of physical sciences workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in physical sciences have received.
This of course varies depending on which physical sciences career you choose.
Physical Sciences Careers
Above AverageNumber of Jobs
$44.3kAverage Starting Salary
8% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
Students who graduate with a degree in the Physical Sciences often pursue careers that allow them to work closely with the natural world. Graduates have gone on to find jobs as meteorologists, geologists, chemists, physicists, and astronomers. Their advanced knowledge in math and science fields have allowed graduates to find jobs at research and development firms, with NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and at the National Weather Service.
Solid Growth Projected for Physical Sciences Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your physical sciences degree? Physical Sciences careers are expected to grow 8.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to physical sciences.
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How Much Money Do Physical Sciences Grads Make?
Physical Sciences graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $44,310 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $16,465 to as high as $116,750. As you might expect, salaries for physical sciences graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Physical Sciences Majors
Salaries for physical sciences graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers physical sciences grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Architectural and Engineering Managers
$148,970
Natural Sciences Managers
$139,680
Physicists
$125,280
Engineering Professors
$113,680
Astronomers
$111,090
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Getting Your Physical Sciences Degree
With over 6,653 different physical sciences degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased physical sciences school rankings to help you with this.
by our College Data Analytics Team
