by our College Data Analytics TeamFor its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools in the Plains States Region to determine which ones were the best for physical sciences students pursuing a master's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 371 master's degrees in physical sciences to qualified students.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
The physical sciences master's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality physical sciences program can vary widely even among the top schools. To make it into this list, a school must excel in the following areas.
A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of master's graduates during the early years of their career. That is, everyone wants their master's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for physical sciences students working on their master's degree.
The physical sciences school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Physical Sciences Master's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region.
Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for physical sciences students seeking a a master's degree.
Any student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in physical sciences has to look into University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Located in the large city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a fairly large student population.More information about a master’s in physical sciences from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Iowa is one of the best schools in the country for getting a master's degree in physical sciences. Iowa is a fairly large public university located in the city of Iowa City.More information about a master’s in physical sciences from University of Iowa
University of Missouri - Columbia is a good choice for individuals interested in a master's degree in physical sciences. Mizzou is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Columbia.More information about a master’s in physical sciences from University of Missouri - Columbia
University of Minnesota - Duluth is a wonderful option for students interested in a master's degree in physical sciences. UMN Duluth is a moderately-sized public university located in the city of Duluth.More information about a master’s in physical sciences from University of Minnesota - Duluth
Located in the midsize city of Springfield, Missouri State is a public university with a fairly large student population.More information about a master’s in physical sciences from Missouri State University - Springfield
Explore the best physical sciences colleges for a specific state in the Plains States Region .
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 32 | 116 |
| Minnesota | 31 | 92 |
| Kansas | 30 | 57 |
| Iowa | 29 | 40 |
| Nebraska | 29 | 21 |
| North Dakota | 28 | 15 |
| South Dakota | 25 | 33 |
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 143 |
| Geological & Earth Sciences | 105 |
| Physics | 85 |
| Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology | 21 |
| Materials Sciences | 9 |
| Astronomy & Astrophysics | 5 |
| General Physical Sciences | 3 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 2,007 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 1,135 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 843 |
| Engineering Technologies | 581 |
| Architecture & Related Services | 518 |
| Agriculture & Agriculture Operations | 434 |
| Military Technologies & Applied Sciences | 213 |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | 134 |
| Science Technologies / Technicians | 17 |
