Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
A program that focuses on the scientific and mathematical formulation and evaluation of the physical laws governing, and models describing, matter-energy phenomena, and the analysis of related experimental designs and results. Includes instruction in classical and quantum theory, relativity theory, field theory, mathematics of infinite series, vector and coordinate analysis, wave and particle theory, advanced applied calculus and geometry, analyses of continuum, cosmology, and statistical theory and analysis.
- Schools offering
- 10
- Annual completions
- 18
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $80k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific and mathematical formulation and evaluation of the physical laws governing, and models describing, matter-energy phenomena, and the analysis of related experimental designs and results. Includes instruction in classical and quantum theory, relativity theory, field theory, mathematics of infinite series, vector and coordinate analysis, wave and particle theory, advanced applied calculus and geometry, analyses of continuum, cosmology, and statistical theory and analysis.
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 |
| Physicists | $166k | +4.0% | 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
$80k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$74k
Bachelor's
$80k
Top colleges for Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Hanover College | Hanover, IN | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Brown University | Providence, RI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Albion College | Albion, MI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ithaca College | Ithaca, NY | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Physics, General
8,108 completions/yr
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
637 completions/yr
Astrophysics
366 completions/yr
Physics, Other
210 completions/yr
Acoustics
102 completions/yr
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
91 completions/yr
Optics/Optical Sciences
52 completions/yr
Health/Medical Physics
30 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Theoretical and Mathematical Physics field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Theoretical and Mathematical Physics worth it? Read verdict