Engineering Physics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Engineering Physics is a rigorous, interdisciplinary field that bridges advanced theoretical physics with practical engineering applications. This program equips students with the analytical and technical skills to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of physical science and technological innovation.
- High- and low-temperature phenomena: Explores the behavior of matter and energy under extreme thermal conditions, essential for advancements in cryogenics, material science, and quantum systems.
- Computational physics: Applies numerical algorithms and high-performance computing to model and solve complex physical systems that are analytically intractable.
- Superconductivity: Investigates materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance at low temperatures, with applications in magnetic resonance imaging, energy transmission, and quantum computing.
- Applied thermodynamics: Focuses on energy conversion, heat transfer, and efficiency optimization in real-world engineering systems, from propulsion to power generation.
- Molecular and particle physics applications: Examines the fundamental interactions at atomic and subatomic scales and their implementation in advanced materials, sensors, and medical technologies.
- Space science research: Engages with the physical principles governing space environments, orbital mechanics, and the design of systems for exploration and satellite technology.
Engineering Physics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Engineering Physics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Engineering Physics degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Physicists and Natural Sciences Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 523,210 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Physicists 19-2012 | $166,290 | $80,020 - $239,200 | 21,340 | $79.95 |
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Salary Comparison
Engineering Physics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $107,040 in South Dakota to $168,956 in California—a 58% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 523,210 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Engineering Physics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Engineering Physics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Engineering Physics is found at Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Graduate School of Engineering & Management (94 graduates), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (87 graduates), Colorado School of Mines (83 graduates), Cornell University (52 graduates), and Columbia University in the City of New York (46 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,041 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
94 | N/A | Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio | Public | afit.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
87 |
SAT: 1270-1510 ACT: 29-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Colorado School of Mines |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
83 |
SAT: 1320-1470 ACT: 29-33 |
Golden, Colorado | Public | mines.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52 |
SAT: 1480-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
46 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
41 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Private | caltech.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
31 |
SAT: 1140-1350 ACT: 24-30 |
Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | daytonabeach.erau.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
29 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Master's
|
28 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 22-30 |
Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
23 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
22 | N/A | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| Murray State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
22 |
SAT: 950-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
Murray, Kentucky | Public | murraystate.edu |
| Yale University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
20 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 33-35 |
New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Bachelor's
|
19 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Rice University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
19 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-36 |
Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Biola University |
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 24-30 |
La Mirada, California | Private | biola.edu |
| Fordham University |
Bachelor's
|
16 |
SAT: 1330-1490 ACT: 30-33 |
Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1350-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Siena College |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1093-1360 ACT: 26-29 |
Loudonville, New York | Private | siena.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
|
14 | N/A | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
Bachelor's
|
14 | ACT: 21-27 | Platteville, Wisconsin | Public | uwplatt.edu |
| Delaware State University (DSU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 860-1070 ACT: 22-26 |
Dover, Delaware | Public | desu.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | N/A | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Augustana College |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1010-1250 ACT: 21-28 |
Rock Island, Illinois | Private | augustana.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1180-1370 ACT: 24-30 |
Lakeland, Florida | Public | floridapoly.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 | N/A | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 850-1030 ACT: 16-21 |
Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
| Marian University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | N/A | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | marian.edu |
| Hampden-Sydney College (H‑SC) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1060-1230 ACT: 22-31 |
Hampden-Sydney, Virginia | Private | hsc.edu |
| Carroll University |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1050-1260 ACT: 22-28 |
Waukesha, Wisconsin | Private | carrollu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 885-1110 ACT: 17-24 |
Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | SAT: 880-1200 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | citytech.cuny.edu |
| Snow College |
Associate's
|
6 | N/A | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Morehouse College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | ACT: 19-23 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | morehouse.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1280-1470 ACT: 29-34 |
Terre Haute, Indiana | Private | rose-hulman.edu |
| Morgan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 860-1080 ACT: 17-21 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Public | morgan.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1400-1520 ACT: 32-34 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| Kettering University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1060-1310 ACT: 26-29 |
Flint, Michigan | Private | kettering.edu |
| John Carroll University (JCU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1190-1350 ACT: 25-30 |
University Heights, Ohio | Private | jcu.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | ACT: 17-23 | Weatherford, Oklahoma | Public | swosu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Central Arkansas (UCA) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 940-1120 ACT: 19-25 |
Conway, Arkansas | Public | uca.edu |
| Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) |
Master's
|
4 | N/A | New Haven, Connecticut | Public | southernct.edu |
| Goshen College |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 850-1133 ACT: 23-27 |
Goshen, Indiana | Private | goshen.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Ithaca College (IC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1190-1370 ACT: 27-31 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | ithaca.edu |
| Queens University of Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1110-1300 ACT: 24-29 |
Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | queens.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 32-35 |
Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Linfield University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | McMinnville, Oregon | Private | linfield.edu |
| Belmont University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1160-1350 ACT: 23-30 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | belmont.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 905-1205 ACT: 17-24 |
Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 980-1160 ACT: 18-25 |
Nacogdoches, Texas | Public | sfasu.edu |
| Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1060-1290 ACT: 21-28 |
Arkadelphia, Arkansas | Private | obu.edu |
| Santa Clara University (SCU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1340-1500 ACT: 30-33 |
Santa Clara, California | Private | scu.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1180-1410 ACT: 25-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1128-1335 ACT: 23-28 |
Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | ACT: 19-24 | Moorhead, Minnesota | Public | mnstate.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Juniata College |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1070-1280 ACT: 22-29 |
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania | Private | juniata.edu |
| Austin Peay State University (APSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 943-1165 ACT: 18-23 |
Clarksville, Tennessee | Public | apsu.edu |
| Randolph-Macon College (RMC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 22-29 |
Ashland, Virginia | Private | rmc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Samford University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1070-1260 ACT: 23-29 |
Birmingham, Alabama | Private | samford.edu |
| Westmont College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1212-1418 ACT: 30-34 |
Santa Barbara, California | Private | westmont.edu |
| Whittier College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Whittier, California | Private | whittier.edu |
| Simpson College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | ACT: 31-33 | Indianola, Iowa | Private | simpson.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | SAT: 883-1180 | Quincy, Massachusetts | Private | enc.edu |
| Albion College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Albion, Michigan | Private | albion.edu |
| Hamline University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1146-1393 ACT: 20-28 |
Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | hamline.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1120-1320 ACT: 26-31 |
Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| Stevens Institute of Technology |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 1370-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Hoboken, New Jersey | Private | stevens.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Elon University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1143-1305 ACT: 23-28 |
Elon, North Carolina | Private | elon.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 | ACT: 17-24 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 973-1193 ACT: 18-24 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | trevecca.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1075-1340 ACT: 22-28 |
Houston, Texas | Private | stthom.edu |
| Trinity University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1320-1465 ACT: 30-33 |
San Antonio, Texas | Private | new.trinity.edu |
| Randolph College (RC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 20-24 |
Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | randolphcollege.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Arkansas Tech University (ATU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 940-1150 ACT: 17-24 |
Russellville, Arkansas | Public | atu.edu |
| Loyola Marymount University (LMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Private | lmu.edu |
| University of the Pacific (UOP) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 23-31 |
Stockton, California | Private | pacific.edu |
| Oglethorpe University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1106-1320 ACT: 23-30 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Private | oglethorpe.edu |
| Piedmont University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 18-24 |
Demorest, Georgia | Private | piedmont.edu |
| Anderson University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 940-1170 ACT: 16-23 |
Anderson, Indiana | Private | anderson.edu |
| Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | N/A | Gardner, Massachusetts | Public | mwcc.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1210-1430 ACT: 26-31 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Engineering Physics programs
How much can I earn with a Engineering Physics degree?
Salaries for Engineering Physics graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Physicists earn around $166,290. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $168,956 compared to $107,040 in South Dakota. Approximately 523,210 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Engineering Physics programs?
Currently 108 accredited institutions offer Engineering Physics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Graduate School of Engineering & Management (94 graduates), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (87 graduates), and Colorado School of Mines (83 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Engineering Physics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 590 in 2010 to 1,049 in 2023-24. This represents a 78% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Engineering Physics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Physicists, and Natural Sciences Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 523,210 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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