by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, theoretical and mathematical physics was the 1,257 most popular major nationwide with 19 degrees awarded. This represents a 5.3% increase in theoretical and mathematical physics degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 18.
Our 2023 Best Theoretical & Mathematical Physics Schools ranking analyzes 1 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for theoretical and mathematical physics students. Explore this or one of our many other custom theoretical and mathematical physics rankings further below.
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems is a required skill for theoretical and mathematical physics majors. 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.
theoretical and mathematical 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. Once you obtain your degree, additional theoretical and mathematical physics certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of theoretical and mathematical physics degrees. You can get anything from a in theoretical and mathematical physics to the highest theoretical and mathematical physics degree, a . The time it takes to complete a theoretical and mathematical physics degree varies depending on the program.
| 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 theoretical and mathematical physics, with approximately 34.3% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for theoretical and mathematical 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 theoretical and mathematical physics have at least a doctor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in theoretical and mathematical physics have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the theoretical and mathematical physics career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your theoretical and mathematical physics degree? Theoretical & Mathematical 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 theoretical and mathematical 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 theoretical and mathematical physics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for theoretical and mathematical physics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers theoretical and mathematical 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 theoretical and mathematical 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 theoretical and mathematical physics school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Physics area of study, Theoretical & Mathematical Physics has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Physics | 12,875 |
| Other Physics | 467 |
| Optics/Optical Sciences | 196 |
| Acoustics | 96 |
| Condensed Matter & Materials Physics | 8 |
View All Theoretical and Mathematical Physics Related Majors >
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