by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, atomic/molecular physics was the 1,349 most popular major nationwide with 7 degrees awarded. This 3 less than the prior year, a decrease of 42.9%.
This year's Best Atomic/Molecular Physics Schools ranking compares 3 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of atomic/molecular physics programs later in this article.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in atomic/molecular physics is using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents and talking to others to convey information effectively are all required skills for careers related to this major.
atomic/molecular physics degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific atomic/molecular physics careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Atomic/Molecular Physics degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in atomic/molecular physics to the highest atomic/molecular physics degree, a . Atomic/Molecular Physics programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to atomic/molecular physics, with approximately 34.3% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for atomic/molecular physics workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 39.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 22.2% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 18.4% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 16.1% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 2.5% |
53.2% of atomic/molecular physics workers have at least a doctorate. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in atomic/molecular physics have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which atomic/molecular physics career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your atomic/molecular physics degree? Atomic/Molecular Physics careers are expected to grow 10.8% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to atomic/molecular physics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Physicists | 20,500 | 14.5% |
| Physics Postsecondary Professors | 19,400 | 10.2% |
As you might expect, salaries for atomic/molecular physics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for atomic/molecular physics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers atomic/molecular physics grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Physicists | $125,280 |
| Physics Postsecondary Professors | $103,830 |
With over 9 different atomic/molecular physics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased atomic/molecular physics school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Physics area of study, Atomic/Molecular Physics has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Physics | 12,875 |
| Other Physics | 467 |
| Optics/Optical Sciences | 196 |
| Acoustics | 96 |
| Theoretical & Mathematical Physics | 19 |
Image Credit: By A. T. Service under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
