Physical Sciences, General.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Physical Sciences, General. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 44.6%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Physical Sciences, General. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $26560 and average student debt of $11855, the financial outlook for Physical Sciences, General. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Considering Physical Sciences, General.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $26560, and with an average student debt of $11855, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.45—a great sign for your financial future.
With more than 2747 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Physical Sciences, General. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Physical Sciences, General (CIP 40.0101) is a foundational STEM field focused on understanding the fundamental laws that govern matter, energy, space, and time. This degree provides a broad and rigorous introduction to the core physical sciences—typically physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth science, and related disciplines—without limiting students to a single specialization early on. It is designed for learners who want a strong scientific foundation, flexibility in career paths, and a deep understanding of how the physical universe works at every scale.
For a degree search site, Physical Sciences, General represents versatility, analytical rigor, and scientific literacy. Nearly every modern technology—energy systems, materials, electronics, medicine, climate modeling, and space exploration—rests on physical science principles. This degree appeals to students who are curious about the natural world, comfortable with math and experimentation, and interested in keeping multiple scientific and career options open. It is especially valuable for those who want to build broad scientific competence before specializing or moving into applied, interdisciplinary, or advanced study.
What Is a Physical Sciences, General Degree?
A Physical Sciences, General degree is an undergraduate program that introduces students to the major branches of the physical sciences while emphasizing shared methods such as mathematical modeling, laboratory experimentation, and quantitative reasoning. Instead of committing immediately to physics or chemistry alone, students gain exposure to multiple scientific domains.
This degree typically emphasizes:
- Core principles of physics and chemistry
- Quantitative problem-solving and mathematical analysis
- Experimental design and laboratory methods
- Scientific reasoning and data interpretation
- Understanding physical systems from atomic to planetary scales
Colleges and universities offer this degree to:
- Provide a strong, flexible STEM foundation
- Prepare students for specialized majors or graduate study
- Support interdisciplinary science and applied science careers
- Develop scientific literacy for teaching, research, or technical roles
It is often chosen by students who want time to explore scientific interests or pursue careers that span multiple scientific disciplines.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how physical laws describe and predict natural phenomena. You’ll study how matter behaves, how energy is transferred, and how forces shape systems ranging from subatomic particles to galaxies. Emphasis is placed on understanding concepts deeply and applying them through math and experimentation.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Quantitative problem-solving—using math to model physical systems
- Scientific reasoning—forming hypotheses and testing them
- Laboratory techniques—conducting experiments and collecting data
- Data analysis and interpretation—drawing conclusions from results
- Critical thinking—evaluating evidence and assumptions
- Technical communication—explaining scientific ideas clearly
- Computational skills—using software for modeling and analysis
- Interdisciplinary thinking—connecting concepts across sciences
These skills are highly transferable to research, industry, education, and technology roles.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by institution but commonly includes:
- General Physics: mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and waves
- General Chemistry: atomic structure, reactions, and thermodynamics
- Modern Physics: relativity, quantum concepts, and atomic physics
- Materials Science Basics: structure and properties of materials
- Earth and Space Science: geology, meteorology, or astronomy
- Thermodynamics: energy, heat, and physical processes
- Mathematical Methods for Science: calculus and differential equations
- Laboratory Methods: experimental design and measurement
- Scientific Computing: modeling and simulation
Some programs allow students to tailor coursework toward physics-heavy, chemistry-heavy, or interdisciplinary tracks.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Physical Sciences, General degree prepares students for a wide range of technical, analytical, and research-oriented roles. Career outcomes depend on specialization, experience, and whether students pursue graduate study.
Common career paths include:
- Laboratory Technician or Research Assistant: supporting scientific research
- Quality Control or Testing Specialist: ensuring product and process accuracy
- Data or Technical Analyst: analyzing scientific or operational data
- Engineering or Science Technician: applied technical support roles
- Environmental or Energy Technician: monitoring physical systems
- Science Educator or Teaching Assistant: education roles (with credentials)
- Graduate or Professional School Path: physics, chemistry, engineering, or medicine
Many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone into specialized STEM fields.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments that rely on physical science knowledge:
- Research laboratories and universities
- Energy and utilities companies
- Manufacturing and materials industries
- Technology and engineering firms
- Environmental and geoscience organizations
- Government agencies and national labs
- Education and science outreach organizations
Physical science graduates often transition into interdisciplinary roles as industries evolve.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary based on role, industry, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level laboratory or technician roles: often $40,000–$60,000
- Analysts or applied science professionals: commonly $60,000–$85,000
- Advanced or graduate-level roles: can exceed $90,000–$120,000+
Graduate study in physics, chemistry, engineering, or applied sciences significantly increases earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Physical Sciences, General is considered academically challenging. Students must be comfortable with mathematics, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving. Coursework often involves complex equations, laboratory precision, and sustained analytical thinking.
The challenge lies in mastering quantitative concepts and applying theory to real-world systems.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are curious about how the physical world works
- Enjoy math, science, and problem-solving
- Want flexibility before choosing a specialization
- Are considering graduate or professional STEM programs
- Prefer analytical and evidence-based thinking
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a physical sciences program:
- Take physics, chemistry, and advanced math courses
- Build strong skills in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus
- Practice scientific problem-solving and experimentation
- Join science clubs, robotics teams, or research programs
- Develop curiosity through reading and hands-on projects
Physical Sciences, General (CIP 40.0101) is an ideal degree for students who want to understand the laws that shape the universe while keeping their future options open. It provides a powerful scientific foundation—rooted in math, experimentation, and critical thinking—that supports careers in research, technology, education, and beyond.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor