Chemical Physics
A program that focuses on the scientific study of structural phenomena combining the disciplines of physical chemistry and atomic/molecular physics. Includes instruction in heterogeneous structures, alignment and surface phenomena, quantum theory, mathematical physics, statistical and classical mechanics, chemical kinetics, and laser physics.
- Schools offering
- 21
- Annual completions
- 23
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $67k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of structural phenomena combining the disciplines of physical chemistry and atomic/molecular physics. Includes instruction in heterogeneous structures, alignment and surface phenomena, quantum theory, mathematical physics, statistical and classical mechanics, chemical kinetics, and laser physics.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemists | $84k | +4.9% | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemistry teachers, postsecondary | $86k | +2.2% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Physics teachers, postsecondary | $97k | +2.5% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$67k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$61k
Bachelor's
$67k
Top colleges for Chemical Physics
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Wellesley College | Wellesley, MA | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate, TN | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Bowdoin College | Brunswick, ME | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Swarthmore College | Swarthmore, PA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Chemistry, General
12,173 completions/yr
Physics, General
7,501 completions/yr
Chemistry, Other
398 completions/yr
Forensic Chemistry
330 completions/yr
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education
294 completions/yr
Physics, Other
240 completions/yr
Acoustics
95 completions/yr
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
87 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Chemical Physics field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Chemical Physics worth it? Read verdict