by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 834 U.S. colleges awarded 13,929 degrees and certificates in Physics. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 53% of graduates. College Factual ranks 268 schools in its 2027 Best Physics Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $50,584 one year after completing, rising to $85,749 after four years.
A 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, physics is a widely-pursued major, with 13,929 degrees awarded annually. 834 colleges award physics degrees, an average of 17 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 187.
By level, the 13,929 awards include 1,838 associate degrees, 7,452 bachelor’s degrees, 2,571 master’s degrees and 2,068 doctorates.
Women earned 26% of physics degrees and certificates in the latest year (3,654 of 13,929). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (6,411) and Hispanic or Latino (1,908), and international students earned 2,802.
College Factual ranks 268 schools in its 2027 Best Physics Schools ranking, including 192 for bachelor’s degrees, 76 for master’s degrees and 83 for doctorates. It also ranks physics schools within 39 states. In all, 834 colleges offer physics programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Physics Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common physics credential is the bachelor’s degree: 7,452 of the 13,929 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to physics call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Speaking, 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.
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.
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How long a physics degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,838 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 7,452 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,571 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2,068 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to physics, at 34.8%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
6 occupations are related to Physics, with an average median salary of $115,544; the strongest outlook belongs to Physics Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Clinical Project Manager, Research Coordinator, Clinical Trials Manager and Clinical Trial Manager.
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.
The occupation related to physics with the most projected jobs is Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, at 571,954.
| 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% |
Physics graduates earn a median $50,584 one year after completing their program, $85,749 after four years and $87,663 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $50,584 |
| 4 years | $85,749 |
| 5 years | $87,663 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to physics is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| 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 |
Physics includes 9 concentrations that together award 13,929 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Physics, General (12,923), Physics, Other (480) and Optics/Optical Sciences (267). It has 8 similar majors in the Physical Sciences field, which together award 34,774 degrees a year; the largest are Chemistry (19,861), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7,713) and Physical Sciences, General (2,991). Browse all Physical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physics, General | 12,923 |
| Physics, Other | 480 |
| Optics/Optical Sciences | 267 |
| Acoustics | 189 |
| Theoretical and Mathematical Physics | 37 |
| Atomic/Molecular Physics | 12 |
| Elementary Particle Physics | 12 |
| Condensed Matter and Materials Physics | 5 |
| Nuclear Physics | 4 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 19,861 |
| 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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