by our College Data Analytics TeamThe 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.
Physical Sciences is a large field with several possible choices for majors. Students can major in General Physical Sciences for a broad education in all topics. If they are more interested in space and space travel, the may choose a major in Astronomy and Astrophysics, while those interested in weather can major in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. Other majors include Chemistry, Geological and Earth Sciences, Physics and Material Sciences.
A major in Physical Sciences explores Physical Sciences. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Scientific Study Of Inanimate Objects, Processes Of Matter And Energy, And Associated Phenomena. Read on to learn the essential details every physical sciences major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering physical sciences programs.
Across the country, physical sciences draws strong interest, with 46,659 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Physical Sciences Schools ranking analyzes these 1,348 schools to determine the best overall colleges for physical sciences students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of physical sciences programs later in this article.
Studies in Physical Sciences emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations physical sciences graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set built by a physical sciences program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a physical sciences major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several physical sciences 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 27 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 4,944 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 27,177 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8,014 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 6,497 |
People currently working in careers related to physical sciences tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.6% |
| Master’s degree | 20.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 15.9% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.8% |
| Some college courses | 3.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.0% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.2% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in physical sciences careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in physical sciences opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to physical sciences.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to physical sciences.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 615,002 | 10.3% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of physical sciences graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $45,708 |
| 4 years | $59,238 |
| 5 years | $69,027 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for physical sciences graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers physical sciences grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Information Technology Project Managers | $124,655 |
With 1,348 different physical sciences programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased physical sciences school rankings to help you.
Those considering physical sciences, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 19,434 |
| Physics | 12,910 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | 7,622 |
| Physical Sciences, General | 2,661 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics | 1,580 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology | 1,341 |
| Materials Sciences | 650 |
| Physical Sciences, Other | 422 |
| Physics and Astronomy | 39 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
