by our College Data Analytics TeamAny major in the field of Physical Sciences provides graduates with a strong background in math and science. There are a variety of majors and concentrations that open up job opportunities in numerous industries. While you may be familiar with some areas of specialization, maybe you haven't found the one that's right for you.
Some schools provide students with the opportunity to earn degrees in areas that are less popular well known. Majors such as Applied Mathematics and Statistics, or Operations Research and Management Science (ORMS) allow students to hone in on the area of Physical Sciences they are most passionate about. Applied Mathematics teaches students how to use math and science concepts to solve a variety of problems within the science and engineering fields while statistics prepares you for a career analyzing data and working with probability. Operations Research and Management Science (ORMS) is a new field of study that teaches students to use analytical and math-modeling skills to solve problems in industries from manufacturing to business to healthcare.
Like other Physical Science majors, students will take classes in math, physics, computer science, geology, astronomy, chemistry, meteorology, and more to learn about the physical world.
A degree in Other Physical Science explores Physical Sciences, Other. Continue reading for the key facts every other physical science student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering other physical science programs.
Across the country, other physical science draws strong interest, with 422 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Other Physical Science Schools ranking analyzes these 27 schools to determine the best overall colleges for other physical science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of other physical science programs later in this article.
Studies in Other Physical Science emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations other physical science graduates commonly enter.
Most careers in the Physical Sciences are geared towards solving problems through the analysis of collected data, placing a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills. Scientists often work together to complete projects making communication and teamwork skills valuable as well. Students who excel in this field have a background in math and science, specifically chemistry and physics.
Employers place an emphasis on previous experience, making internships, summer field camps, and work in research labs important. These experiences give students the ability to work closely with a professional and learn the necessary skills for a successful career in the Physical Sciences.
Depending on the type of job you pursue, you may need to achieve a master's degree or Ph.D. These advanced degrees often allow graduates to complete more thorough research or work in positions with higher responsibility and the possibility for advancement.
Skills emphasized by a other physical science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a other physical science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several other physical science 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 | 23 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 202 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 144 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 53 |
People currently working in careers related to other physical science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 54.7% |
| Master’s degree | 13.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.3% |
| Some college courses | 5.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 4.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.5% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in other physical science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Physical Sciences graduates work in a variety of industries. Those with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Statistics often work for research and development companies, government offices, or companies looking for graduates with strong math and science skills. Graduates with a degree in Operations Research and Management Science often find positions in similar fields, but at a management level.
A degree in other physical science prepares you for a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to other physical science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to other physical science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 188,913 | 7.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | 88,872 | 5.3% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of other physical science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,639 |
| 4 years | $42,690 |
| 5 years | $55,658 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for other physical science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers other physical science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | $73,261 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | $72,607 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
With 27 different other physical science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased other physical science school rankings to help you.
Those considering other physical science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Sciences, Other | 422 |
| Related 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 |
| Physics and Astronomy | 39 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
