by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,360 U.S. colleges awarded 48,703 degrees and certificates in Physical Sciences. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 58% of graduates. College Factual ranks 557 schools in its 2027 Best Physical Sciences Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $45,893 one year after completing, rising to $71,935 after four years.
The 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, physical sciences draws strong interest, with 48,703 degrees awarded annually. 1,360 colleges award physical sciences degrees, an average of 36 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 624.
By level, the 48,703 awards include 30 certificates, 5,646 associate degrees, 28,155 bachelor’s degrees, 8,473 master’s degrees and 6,399 doctorates.
Women earned 44% of physical sciences degrees and certificates in the latest year (21,450 of 48,703). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (24,440) and Hispanic or Latino (6,775), and international students earned 7,071.
College Factual ranks 557 schools in its 2027 Best Physical Sciences Schools ranking, including 112 for associate degrees, 427 for bachelor’s degrees, 145 for master’s degrees and 125 for doctorates. It also ranks physical sciences schools within 45 states. In all, 1,360 colleges offer physical sciences programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Physical Sciences Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common physical sciences credential is the bachelor’s degree: 28,155 of the 48,703 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to physical sciences call most for Speaking, Reading Comprehension and Active Listening, and for knowledge of English Language, Mathematics and Computers and Electronics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
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.
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How long a physical sciences degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 30 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 5,646 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 28,155 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8,473 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 6,399 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to physical sciences, at 34.6%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
30 occupations are related to Physical Sciences, with an average median salary of $100,895; the strongest outlook belongs to Physics Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Clinical Project Manager, Clinical Trials Manager, Research Coordinator and Instructor.
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.
The occupation related to physical sciences with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| 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% |
Physical Sciences graduates earn a median $45,893 one year after completing their program, $71,935 after four years and $69,438 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $45,893 |
| 4 years | $71,935 |
| 5 years | $69,438 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to physical sciences is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| 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 |
Physical Sciences includes 9 concentrations that together award 48,703 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Chemistry (19,861), Physics (13,929) and Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7,713). Browse the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 19,861 |
| Physics | 13,929 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | 7,713 |
| Physical Sciences, General | 2,991 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics | 1,749 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology | 1,297 |
| Materials Sciences | 633 |
| Physical Sciences, Other | 469 |
| Physics and Astronomy | 61 |
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