Physical Sciences Degree

2 schools compared · Average earnings $41,504/yr

Students study the broad foundations of the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy, developing strong quantitative and laboratory skills. Graduates typically pursue careers in science education, laboratory research, environmental monitoring, technical sales, and as preparation for graduate or professional programs. This interdisciplinary approach is particularly well-suited for aspiring science educators.

What Physical Sciences Graduates Do

Your degree in the physical sciences prepares you for two distinct career trajectories. A common path is into education, where you’ll work as a secondary school teacher. Your days won't just be spent at the chalkboard; you'll be designing hands-on lab experiments, managing classroom dynamics, and mentoring the next generation of scientists. It’s a career built on interpersonal connection and inspiring curiosity.

For those who stay in research, the path often leads to management. After gaining experience in the lab, you could become a natural sciences manager, where your focus shifts from conducting experiments to leading the people who do. You'll direct research goals, manage complex budgets, and ensure your team's work meets its objectives. This leadership track shows steady growth, while the teaching profession faces some headwinds.

With moderate AI exposure, the nature of your work will change. AI will automate significant chunks of routine tasks like initial data analysis or drafting lesson plans. This frees you up to focus on what humans do best: making strategic decisions, mentoring your team, and exercising critical judgment. Adaptability will be key to thriving.

Schools Offering
2
Avg Grad Earnings
$41,504/yr
Avg DegreeOutlook Score
51/100
AI Automation Risk
High
51% task exposure

Common Career Paths

Where Physical Sciences graduates typically work, ranked by salary. Salary ranges show 25th–75th percentile spread. This field has roughly 74,700 combined openings per year.

Career Path Salary Range Openings/yr Growth AI Risk
Natural sciences managers
$161,180
$114K$215K
8,500 +3.7% 50%
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580
$58K$83K
66,200 -1.6% 33%
Natural sciences managers
$161,180
$114K $215K
8,500 openings/yr +3.7% growth 50% AI risk
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580
$58K $83K
66,200 openings/yr -1.6% growth 33% AI risk

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. Salary range shows 25th–median–75th percentile (national).

Best Schools for Physical Sciences

2 schools ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any row for full AI scenario analysis and earnings projections.

# School DW Score Earnings ROI
1 Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ
53
58–54
$41,421/yr 12.4x
2 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY
48
53–49
$41,587/yr 12.9x

Highest Earning Physical Sciences Programs

Schools where Physical Sciences graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.

School 1-Year Earnings DW Score
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice $41,587/yr 48
Arizona State University Campus Immersion $41,421/yr 53

Best ROI for Physical Sciences

Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Physical Sciences.

School ROI Multiple Earnings DW Score
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice 12.9x $41,587/yr 48
Arizona State University Campus Immersion 12.4x $41,421/yr 53
Want to compare two Physical Sciences programs side by side? Use the comparison tool →

Related Majors

Explore similar fields of study.

Consider the Trade Route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Physical Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physical Sciences graduates earn?
Across 2 schools, Physical Sciences graduates earn an average of $41,504 per year in their first year after graduation. Earnings range from $41,421 to $41,587 depending on the school.
What is the AI automation risk for Physical Sciences?
Physical Sciences is rated "High" for AI automation risk, with an average of 51% of job tasks exposed to large language models and AI tools. This means most career tasks in this field could be augmented or replaced by AI over the next decade.
Which school has the best Physical Sciences program?
Based on our DegreeOutlook Score (combining earnings, AI resilience, job market size, and ROI), Arizona State University Campus Immersion ranks #1 for Physical Sciences with a score of 53/100 and graduate earnings of $41,421/yr.
What's the outlook for a Physical Sciences degree?
On average, Physical Sciences graduates earn 12.7x their in-state tuition over 10 years. This is a strong return on investment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →