Physical Sciences, Other.
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
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Physical Sciences, Other.: The DTI for this program is 58.2%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Physical Sciences, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $38982) to the average debt ($22681) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Physical Sciences, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 58.2%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Physical Sciences, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($38982) against the typical student debt ($22681), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Physical Sciences, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $38982, and with an average student debt of $22681, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.58—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 404 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, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Physical Sciences, Other (CIP 40.9999) is a flexible and interdisciplinary STEM field focused on the study of the physical world through customized or nontraditional combinations of physics, chemistry, earth science, materials science, and related disciplines. This classification is used for programs that do not fit neatly into a single physical science category, allowing institutions to design degrees that reflect emerging research areas, applied science needs, or cross-disciplinary innovation.
For a degree search site, Physical Sciences, Other represents adaptability and future readiness. Many of today’s most important scientific challenges—clean energy, climate modeling, advanced materials, space technology, and data-driven discovery—do not belong to one discipline alone. This degree appeals to students who want a strong physical science foundation with the freedom to specialize, integrate fields, or pivot as technologies and industries evolve. It is especially attractive to learners who prefer breadth with depth, and who want to avoid being locked into a narrow scientific track too early.
What Is a Physical Sciences, Other Degree?
A Physical Sciences, Other degree is an academic program that emphasizes the principles, methods, and tools of the physical sciences while allowing significant curricular flexibility. Programs under this classification often blend coursework from multiple physical science disciplines or focus on applied, interdisciplinary, or emerging scientific areas.
Depending on the institution, this degree may:
- Combine physics, chemistry, and earth science
- Emphasize applied or industrial physical science
- Integrate computation, data analysis, or engineering concepts
- Support customized concentrations or student-designed pathways
- Focus on emerging fields not yet classified elsewhere
Rather than emphasizing one traditional discipline, this degree focuses on:
- Core physical laws and scientific reasoning
- Quantitative problem-solving and modeling
- Laboratory experimentation and data analysis
- Systems-level understanding of physical phenomena
- Preparation for applied science, research, or advanced study
Colleges and universities offer this degree to:
- Provide maximum flexibility within a rigorous STEM framework
- Support interdisciplinary and applied science education
- Prepare students for evolving scientific and technical careers
- Accommodate innovative or institution-specific science programs
This degree is well-suited for students who want to shape their own scientific identity.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how the physical sciences explain natural phenomena and enable modern technology. You’ll study how matter behaves, how energy flows, and how physical systems can be modeled, measured, and optimized. Coursework emphasizes transferable scientific skills rather than narrow specialization.
Because programs vary, students often work closely with advisors to tailor coursework around personal interests and career goals.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Quantitative reasoning—applying math to physical systems
- Scientific modeling and simulation—predicting system behavior
- Laboratory and experimental methods—testing hypotheses
- Data analysis and interpretation—working with real-world datasets
- Critical and analytical thinking—evaluating evidence and assumptions
- Computational skills—using software and code in science
- Interdisciplinary problem-solving—integrating multiple sciences
- Technical communication—writing and presenting scientific results
These skills are valuable across research, industry, education, and technology sectors.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely, but may include:
- General and Applied Physics: motion, energy, and forces
- General and Physical Chemistry: matter, reactions, and thermodynamics
- Earth and Environmental Physics: climate, geophysics, and systems science
- Materials and Applied Science: structure and properties of materials
- Energy and Sustainability Science: renewable and physical energy systems
- Computational and Data-Driven Science: modeling and simulation
- Instrumentation and Measurement: scientific tools and techniques
- Interdisciplinary Capstone Projects: applied or research-focused work
Programs often allow students to build concentrations aligned with specific goals.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Physical Sciences, Other degree prepares students for a wide range of scientific, technical, and analytical roles. Career outcomes depend on how students shape their coursework and whether they pursue graduate study.
Common career paths include:
- Laboratory or Research Technician: supporting scientific investigations
- Applied Scientist or Analyst: solving technical problems
- Quality Control or Testing Specialist: ensuring product performance
- Environmental or Physical Science Technician: monitoring systems
- Data or Technical Analyst: interpreting scientific data
- Engineering or Science Support Roles: applied technical work
- Science Educator or Outreach Specialist: teaching or communication (with credentials)
- Graduate or Professional School Path: physics, chemistry, engineering, or applied science
This degree is especially effective as a launchpad into specialized STEM careers.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in sectors that rely on physical science knowledge:
- Research laboratories and universities
- Manufacturing and industrial companies
- Energy and utilities industries
- Environmental and sustainability organizations
- Technology and engineering firms
- Government agencies and national laboratories
- Education and science outreach institutions
Physical science training supports mobility across industries as needs change.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely based on role, industry, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level science or technician roles: often $45,000–$65,000
- Applied scientists or analysts: commonly $65,000–$95,000
- Senior or specialized roles: can exceed $100,000–$120,000+
Graduate degrees and specialization significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Physical Sciences, Other is considered academically challenging. Students must be comfortable with math, abstraction, and scientific reasoning. The flexibility of the degree also requires self-direction and strong planning skills, as students are often responsible for shaping their academic path.
The challenge lies in mastering core scientific principles while integrating multiple disciplines.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy math, science, and problem-solving
- Want flexibility within a rigorous STEM degree
- Are interested in interdisciplinary or emerging fields
- Prefer customizing your academic pathway
- Are considering graduate study or applied science careers
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, calculus, and scientific reasoning
- Practice data analysis and basic programming if available
- Participate in science clubs, research, or technical projects
- Develop curiosity across multiple scientific fields
Physical Sciences, Other (CIP 40.9999) is an ideal degree for students who want scientific rigor without rigid boundaries. It provides a strong physical science foundation, transferable analytical skills, and the freedom to adapt as science and technology evolve—making it a powerful choice for learners who want to shape the future rather than fit into a single predefined category.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor