by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Physical Chemistry covers Physical Chemistry. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of Understanding And Predicting The Behavior Of Chemical Systems Ranging From Nuclear Particles To Atoms, Molecules, Clusters, Biological Materials And Macroscopic Assemblies. Includes Instruction In Quantum Mechanics, Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, Reaction Dynamics, Group Theory, Collision Theory, And Polymer Science. Read on to learn the important information every physical chemistry major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering physical chemistry programs.
In the U.S., physical chemistry is a popular field of study, with 8 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Physical Chemistry Schools ranking analyzes these 3 schools to determine the best overall colleges for physical chemistry students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of physical chemistry programs later in this article.
Programs in Physical Chemistry emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations physical chemistry graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a physical chemistry program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a physical chemistry major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several physical chemistry 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 7 |
People currently working in careers related to physical chemistry tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 37.7% |
| Master’s degree | 19.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 13.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 12.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.8% |
| Some college courses | 3.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.4% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in physical chemistry careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in physical chemistry prepares you for many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to physical chemistry.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to physical chemistry.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | 398,348 | 7.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Chemists | 91,666 | 3.1% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of physical chemistry graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46,286 |
| 4 years | $61,499 |
| 5 years | $72,069 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for physical chemistry graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers physical chemistry grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | $69,509 |
| Chemists | $59,779 |
With 3 different physical chemistry programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased physical chemistry school rankings to help you.
Those considering physical chemistry, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry, General | 18,323 |
| Chemistry, Other | 540 |
| Forensic Chemistry | 367 |
| Polymer Chemistry | 83 |
| Chemical Physics | 41 |
| Analytical Chemistry | 38 |
| Environmental Chemistry | 20 |
| Organic Chemistry | 8 |
| Theoretical Chemistry | 6 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
