Physical Chemistry
A program that focuses on the scientific study of understanding and predicting the behavior of chemical systems ranging from nuclear particles to atoms, molecules, clusters, biological materials and macroscopic assemblies. Includes instruction in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, reaction dynamics, group theory, collision theory, and polymer science.
- Schools offering
- 2
- Annual completions
- 1
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $67k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of understanding and predicting the behavior of chemical systems ranging from nuclear particles to atoms, molecules, clusters, biological materials and macroscopic assemblies. Includes instruction in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, reaction dynamics, group theory, collision theory, and polymer science.
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 |
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 Physical Chemistry
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| LeTourneau University | Longview, TX | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Chemistry, General
12,173 completions/yr
Chemistry, Other
398 completions/yr
Forensic Chemistry
330 completions/yr
Chemical Physics
23 completions/yr
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
13 completions/yr
Geochemistry
12 completions/yr
Analytical Chemistry
11 completions/yr
Environmental Chemistry
7 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Physical Chemistry field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Physical Chemistry worth it? Read verdict