by our College Data Analytics TeamA Physics Major studies the fundamental laws of nature from gravity, to water's boiling point. As you move through your studies, you will be introduced to complex problems and use mathematical equations along with experiments to understand how things work in the natural world. Classes in topics such as mathematics, computer science, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics will teach you Physics concepts, such as energy and relativity.
Physics is a large field and can be broken down into multiple areas of specializations. Depending on your college, you may have the option to choose a concentration in Atomic and Molecular Physics, Elementary Particle Physics, Plasma and High-Temperature Physics, Nuclear Physics, Optical Sciences, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Acoustics, or Theoretical and Mathematical Physics.
A major in Physics explores Physics. Read on to learn the important information every physics student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering physics programs.
Nationwide, physics is a widely-pursued major, with 12,910 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Physics Schools ranking analyzes these 812 schools to determine the best overall colleges for physics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of physics programs later in this article.
Studies in Physics emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations physics graduates commonly enter.
Physics classes involve very advanced mathematical formulas. Students should be prepared to use complex mathematic equations to solve problems and answer questions. Strong critical thinking and analytic skills will allow you to create innovative experiments and ensure necessary accuracy. Since you will be working with others, teamwork and communication skills are also important in this field.
Most Physics jobs require you to have at least a master's degree. Those who are interested in performing advanced research or holding permanent jobs at universities, labs, or government offices will need to earn their Ph.D. While working towards an advanced degree, some students pursue internships or attend summer field camps. This allows them to gain experience in the field and be more competitive in job market after graduation.
The skill set emphasized by a physics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a physics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several 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 | 1,493 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 7,123 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,380 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,914 |
People currently working in careers related to physics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 22.0% |
| Master’s degree | 14.3% |
| Post-doctoral training | 12.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.5% |
| Some college courses | 3.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.2% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.6% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in physics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Physicists who pursue an advanced degree are hired in multiple industries including scientific firms, as professors at colleges, or government offices. NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense often hire physicists. Positions as secondary school physics teachers or as research assistants are available for students who obtain their bachelor's degree.
Studying physics opens doors to numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to physics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to physics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | 415,392 | 14.3% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Physicists | 118,738 | 8.5% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of physics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $50,456 |
| 4 years | $75,002 |
| 5 years | $86,291 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for physics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers physics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Physicists | $111,776 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,685 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
With 812 different physics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased physics school rankings to help you.
Students interested in physics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physics, General | 11,944 |
| Physics, Other | 482 |
| Optics/Optical Sciences | 249 |
| Acoustics | 175 |
| Theoretical and Mathematical Physics | 37 |
| Condensed Matter and Materials Physics | 8 |
| Atomic/Molecular Physics | 6 |
| Elementary Particle Physics | 6 |
| Nuclear Physics | 3 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 19,434 |
| 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.
