by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 132 U.S. colleges awarded 2,991 degrees and certificates in Physical Science. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 85% of graduates. College Factual ranks 58 schools in its 2027 Best Physical Science Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $29,769 one year after completing, rising to $52,645 after four years.
Studying Physical Science explores Physical Sciences, General. A Program That Focuses On The Major Topics, Concepts, Processes, And Interrelationships Of Physical Phenomena As Studied In Any Combination Of Physical Science Disciplines.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, physical science is a popular field of study, with 2,991 degrees awarded annually. 132 colleges award physical science degrees, an average of 23 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 371.
By level, the 2,991 awards include 2,535 associate degrees, 375 bachelor’s degrees, 70 master’s degrees and 11 doctorates.
Women earned 47% of physical science degrees and certificates in the latest year (1,418 of 2,991). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,084) and Hispanic or Latino (731), and international students earned 193.
College Factual ranks 58 schools in its 2027 Best Physical Science Schools ranking, including 48 for associate degrees, 8 for bachelor’s degrees and 1 for master’s degrees. It also ranks physical science schools within 11 states. In all, 132 colleges offer physical science programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Physical Science Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common physical science credential is the associate degree: 2,535 of the 2,991 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to physical science call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Speaking, and for knowledge of English Language, Customer and Personal Service and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a physical science degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,535 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 375 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 70 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 11 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to physical science, at 63.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 63.6% |
| Master’s degree | 8.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 4.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.6% |
| Some college courses | 3.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.7% |
| Doctoral degree | 2.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to Physical Science, with an average median salary of $125,200; the strongest outlook belongs to Clinical Research Coordinators, at 10.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Clinical Project Manager, Clinical Trials Manager, Research Coordinator and Piano Teacher.
The occupation related to physical science with the most projected jobs is Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, at 571,954.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Physical Science graduates earn a median $29,769 one year after completing their program, $52,645 after four years and $49,432 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $29,769 |
| 4 years | $52,645 |
| 5 years | $49,432 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to physical science is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
