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.
In 2020-2021, physical sciences (other) was the 276th most popular major nationwide with 538 degrees awarded. This represents a 2.0% reduction in physical sciences (other) degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 549.
This year's Best Other Physical Science Schools ranking compares 12 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom physical sciences (other) rankings further below.
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.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most physical sciences (other) degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic physical sciences (other) program qualifications, to serve in some physical sciences (other) careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Other Physical Science degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in physical sciences (other) to something that takes less time like a . Other Physical Science programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
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 bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to physical sciences (other), with approximately 31.9% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for physical sciences (other) workers below.
Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree | 31.9% |
Master’s Degree | 27.1% |
Doctoral Degree | 25.9% |
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 7.5% |
Post-Doctoral Training | 7.0% |
Most workers in physical sciences (other) have at least a master's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in physical sciences (other) careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the physical sciences (other) career you are seeking.
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.
Want a job when you graduate with your physical sciences (other) degree? Other Physical Science careers are expected to grow 9.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to physical sciences (other).
Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
---|---|---|
Professors | 258,700 | 9.4% |
Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
Physical Scientists | 25,100 | 6.8% |
Other Physical Science graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $38,982 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $25,166 to as high as $52,798. As you might expect, salaries for physical sciences (other) graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for physical sciences (other) graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers physical sciences (other) grads often go into.
Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
---|---|
Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
Physical Scientists | $110,090 |
Professors | $76,990 |
With over 76 different physical sciences (other) 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 physical sciences (other) school rankings to help you with this.
Other Physical Science is one of 8 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.
Related Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Chemistry | 21,239 |
Physics | 13,674 |
Geological & Earth Sciences | 7,821 |
General Physical Sciences | 3,823 |
Astronomy & Astrophysics | 1,375 |