by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 107 U.S. colleges awarded 1,135 degrees and certificates in Engineering Physics. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 55% of graduates. College Factual ranks 24 schools in its 2027 Best Engineering Physics Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $65,109 one year after completing, rising to $92,254 after four years.
A major of Engineering Physics focuses on the use of physics when analyzing and evaluating engineering problems. You will learn computational physics, superconductivity, applied thermodynamics, how materials react in high and low temperature, and space science research. By blending physics and engineering you will learn how these areas support and interact with each other. This knowledge will allow you to become a master problem solver.
Courses you may across in engineering physics include: physics, calculus, statistics, strength of material, chemistry of materials, algebra, chemistry, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and electricity and magnetism.
A degree in Engineering Physics explores Engineering Physics.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, engineering physics is a widely-pursued major, with 1,135 degrees awarded annually. 107 colleges award engineering physics degrees, an average of 11 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 141.
By level, the 1,135 awards include 21 associate degrees, 629 bachelor’s degrees, 373 master’s degrees and 112 doctorates.
Women earned 21% of engineering physics degrees and certificates in the latest year (241 of 1,135). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (549) and Hispanic or Latino (94), and international students earned 227.
College Factual ranks 24 schools in its 2027 Best Engineering Physics Schools ranking, including 16 for bachelor’s degrees and 10 for master’s degrees. It also ranks engineering physics schools within 11 states. In all, 107 colleges offer engineering physics programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Engineering Physics Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common engineering physics credential is the bachelor’s degree: 629 of the 1,135 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to engineering physics call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Speaking, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Oral Comprehension.
Studying physics and engineering is a challenge reserved for the boldest and brightest of students. Be prepared to work hard in your classes and don't be intimidated to ask for help from either your classmates or your professors. All your hard work will pay off as you will get to engage in fascinating research ranging from topics such as space science, thermodynamics or nuclear engineering.
As a student you will get to practice and learn how to use high tech equipment in the lab. Through experiments and research you will be prepared to create engineering solutions through your enhanced understanding of the both physics and engineering. You should also be prepared to work on your communication skills so that you can clearly articulate your findings.
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How long an engineering physics degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 21 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 629 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 373 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 112 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to engineering physics, at 33.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 26.5% |
| Master’s degree | 11.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 6.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.0% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.8% |
| Some college courses | 2.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.4% |
| First professional degree | 1.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
16 occupations are related to Engineering Physics, with an average median salary of $102,786; the strongest outlook belongs to Solar Energy Systems Engineers, at 14.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Robotics Instructor, Engineering Instructor, Agricultural Engineering Teacher and Machine Design Teacher.
You have many careers you could pursue with an engineering physics degree. You could get a position in research or development at a high technology industry or you could find a job in a national laboratory or at a university. If you continue on in education you could land a job as a staff engineer, a scientist, or even a technical director. You could also earn your master's degree in business, law, or go to medical school. This degree is flexible and the skills you learn during undergrad can be applied to many different topics.
The occupation related to engineering physics with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
Engineering Physics graduates earn a median $65,109 one year after completing their program, $92,254 after four years and $91,869 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $65,109 |
| 4 years | $92,254 |
| 5 years | $91,869 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to engineering physics is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Physicists | $111,776 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
Engineering Physics includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Engineering Physics/Applied Physics (1,135). It has 40 similar majors in the Engineering field, which together award 201,900 degrees a year; the largest are Mechanical Engineering (43,874), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (27,513) and Computer Engineering (21,335). Browse all Engineering majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering Physics/Applied Physics | 1,135 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 43,874 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 27,513 |
| Computer Engineering | 21,335 |
| Civil Engineering | 19,856 |
| Engineering, General | 14,789 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 14,592 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,559 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 10,170 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,023 |
| Systems Engineering | 4,489 |
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