by our College Data Analytics TeamCondensed Matter & Materials Physics was the 1,342 most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 8 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 25.0% reduction in condensed matter and materials physics degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 10.
This year's Best Condensed Matter & Materials Physics Schools ranking compares 1 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom condensed matter and materials physics rankings further below.
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems has been highlighted as one of the most essential skills for careers related to condensed matter and materials physics. Talking to others to convey information effectively and understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents are all required skills for careers related to this major.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most condensed matter and materials physics degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional condensed matter and materials physics certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different condensed matter and materials physics degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in condensed matter and materials physics to something that takes less time like a . The type of condensed matter and materials physics degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| 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 condensed matter and materials physics, with approximately 34.3% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for condensed matter and materials 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% |
Most workers in condensed matter and materials physics have at least a doctor's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in condensed matter and materials physics careers have.
This of course varies depending on which condensed matter and materials physics career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your condensed matter and materials physics degree? Condensed Matter & Materials 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 condensed matter and materials 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 condensed matter and materials physics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for condensed matter and materials physics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers condensed matter and materials 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 6 different condensed matter and materials 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 condensed matter and materials physics school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Physics area of study, Condensed Matter & Materials 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 |
View All Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Related Majors >
Image Credit: By A. T. Service under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
