by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 29 U.S. colleges awarded 469 degrees and certificates in Other Physical Science. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 51% of graduates. College Factual ranks 9 schools in its 2027 Best Other Physical Science Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $58,639 one year after completing, rising to $74,683 after four years.
Any major in the field of Physical Sciences provides graduates with a strong background in math and science. There are a variety of majors and concentrations that open up job opportunities in numerous industries. While you may be familiar with some areas of specialization, maybe you haven't found the one that's right for you.
Some schools provide students with the opportunity to earn degrees in areas that are less popular well known. Majors such as Applied Mathematics and Statistics, or Operations Research and Management Science (ORMS) allow students to hone in on the area of Physical Sciences they are most passionate about. Applied Mathematics teaches students how to use math and science concepts to solve a variety of problems within the science and engineering fields while statistics prepares you for a career analyzing data and working with probability. Operations Research and Management Science (ORMS) is a new field of study that teaches students to use analytical and math-modeling skills to solve problems in industries from manufacturing to business to healthcare.
Like other Physical Science majors, students will take classes in math, physics, computer science, geology, astronomy, chemistry, meteorology, and more to learn about the physical world.
A degree in Other Physical Science explores Physical Sciences, Other.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, other physical science draws strong interest, with 469 degrees awarded annually. 29 colleges award other physical science degrees, an average of 16 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 155.
By level, the 469 awards include 31 associate degrees, 240 bachelor’s degrees, 151 master’s degrees and 47 doctorates.
Women earned 47% of other physical science degrees and certificates in the latest year (219 of 469). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (245) and Hispanic or Latino (40), and international students earned 60.
College Factual ranks 9 schools in its 2027 Best Other Physical Science Schools ranking, including 1 for associate degrees, 5 for bachelor’s degrees and 4 for master’s degrees. It also ranks other physical science schools within 4 states. In all, 29 colleges offer other physical science programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Other Physical Science Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common other physical science credential is the bachelor’s degree: 240 of the 469 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to other physical science call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Writing, and for knowledge of English Language, Customer and Personal Service and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Deductive Reasoning, Written Comprehension and Oral Expression.
Most careers in the Physical Sciences are geared towards solving problems through the analysis of collected data, placing a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills. Scientists often work together to complete projects making communication and teamwork skills valuable as well. Students who excel in this field have a background in math and science, specifically chemistry and physics.
Employers place an emphasis on previous experience, making internships, summer field camps, and work in research labs important. These experiences give students the ability to work closely with a professional and learn the necessary skills for a successful career in the Physical Sciences.
Depending on the type of job you pursue, you may need to achieve a master's degree or Ph.D. These advanced degrees often allow graduates to complete more thorough research or work in positions with higher responsibility and the possibility for advancement.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an other physical science degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 31 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 240 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 151 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 47 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to other physical science, at 54.7%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 54.7% |
| Master’s degree | 13.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.3% |
| Some college courses | 5.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 4.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.5% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
6 occupations are related to Other Physical Science, with an average median salary of $106,285; the strongest outlook belongs to Clinical Research Coordinators, at 10.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Braille Teacher, Military Science Instructor, Project Management Professor and Flight Simulator Teacher.
Physical Sciences graduates work in a variety of industries. Those with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Statistics often work for research and development companies, government offices, or companies looking for graduates with strong math and science skills. Graduates with a degree in Operations Research and Management Science often find positions in similar fields, but at a management level.
The occupation related to other physical science with the most projected jobs is Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, at 964,215.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 188,913 | 7.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | 88,872 | 5.3% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Other Physical Science graduates earn a median $58,639 one year after completing their program, $74,683 after four years and $55,658 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,639 |
| 4 years | $74,683 |
| 5 years | $55,658 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to other 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 |
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | $73,261 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | $72,607 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
Other Physical Science includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Physical Sciences, Other (469). It has 8 similar majors in the Physical Sciences field, which together award 48,234 degrees a year; the largest are Chemistry (19,861), Physics (13,929) and Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7,713). Browse all Physical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Sciences, Other | 469 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 19,861 |
| Physics | 13,929 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | 7,713 |
| Physical Sciences, General | 2,991 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics | 1,749 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology | 1,297 |
| Materials Sciences | 633 |
| Physics and Astronomy | 61 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
