Physical Sciencesat University of Mary Washington
Graduates earn $35,464/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Physical Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $507K; scenarios range from $487K to $508K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Mary Washington
This "Other Physical Sciences" degree at a public liberal arts college like UMW often provides a broad, foundational scientific education rather than highly specialized training. This interdisciplinary approach can be excellent for developing critical thinking and a wide understanding of scientific principles, but it means entry-level roles might not be as lucrative as those requiring a very specific technical skill set. You'll likely find opportunities in government agencies, research support roles, or education, particularly given Fredericksburg's proximity to federal hubs. However, many generalist scientific roles are increasingly susceptible to automation. To truly advance into the higher-earning management or specialized scientist positions listed, you'll almost certainly need to pursue graduate studies or strategically gain specific industry experience to carve out a niche. Consider internships early to clarify your specialization.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Mary Washington's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Physical Sciences
How University of Mary Washington stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Mary Washington
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Mary Washington, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physical Sciences at University of Mary Washington
How does University of Mary Washington's Physical Sciences program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Physical Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Physical Sciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Physical Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 32% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Physical Sciences earnings lower at University of Mary Washington?
Lower starting pay at University of Mary Washington may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.