by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Elementary Particle Physics explores Elementary Particle Physics. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of The Basic Constituents Of Sub-Atomic Matter And Energy, And The Forces Governing Fundamental Processes. Includes Instruction In Quantum Theory, Field Theory, Single-Particle Systems, Perturbation And Scattering Theory, Matter-Radiation Interaction, Symmetry, Quarks, Capture, Schroedinger Mechanics, Methods For Detecting Particle Emission And Absorption, And Research Equipment Operation And Maintenance. Continue reading for the important information every elementary particle physics student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering elementary particle physics programs.
Across the country, elementary particle physics draws strong interest, with 6 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Elementary Particle Physics Schools ranking analyzes these 2 schools to determine the best overall colleges for elementary particle physics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of elementary particle physics programs later in this article.
Coursework for Elementary Particle Physics develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations elementary particle physics graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a elementary particle physics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a elementary particle physics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several elementary particle 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
People currently working in careers related to elementary particle physics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 32.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 23.0% |
| Master’s degree | 14.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 13.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.7% |
| Some college courses | 3.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in elementary particle physics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying elementary particle physics can lead to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to elementary particle physics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to elementary particle physics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 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 elementary particle physics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise 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 elementary particle physics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers elementary particle 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 |
With 2 different elementary particle physics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased elementary particle physics school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in elementary particle physics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related 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 |
| Nuclear Physics | 3 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
