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Assistant professor of physics education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become an assistant professor of physics. Assistant professors of physics usually study physics, physical therapy, or kinesiology. 49% of assistant professors of physics hold a bachelor's degree, and 21% hold an doctoral degree. We analyzed 370 real assistant professor of physics resumes to see exactly what assistant professor of physics education sections show.
The most common colleges for assistant professors of physics are the New York University and the New York University.
There are also many online assistant professor of physics courses to help get the education required to be an assistant professor of physics.
There are certain assistant professor of physics certifications that you should consider. These assistant professor of physics certifications include Medical Assistant and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
What education do you need to become an assistant professor of physics?
What degree do you need to be an assistant professor of physics?
- Bachelor's, 49%
- Doctorate, 21%
- Master's, 15%
- Associate, 11%
- Other Degrees, 4%
What should I major in to become an assistant professor of physics?
- Physics, 46%
- Physical Therapy, 11%
- Kinesiology, 7%
- Other Majors, 31%
Most common colleges for assistant professors of physics
| Assistant professor of physics common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| New York University | 8.00% |
| Johns Hopkins University | 8.00% |
| Towson University | 8.00% |
| Rice University | 6.00% |
| University of Houston | 6.00% |
Best majors for assistant professors of physics
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physics | 46.3% |
| 2 | Physical Therapy | 10.9% |
| 3 | Kinesiology | 7.4% |
| 4 | Medical Assisting Services | 5.2% |
| 5 | Chemistry | 3.9% |
Best colleges for assistant professors of physics
The best colleges for assistant professors of physics are Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.
An assistant professor of physics with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for assistant professors of physics. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become assistant professors of physics.
1. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA • Private
In-state tuition
$17,653
Enrollment
16,405
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
3. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
4. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
5. Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • Private
In-state tuition
$49,042
Enrollment
5,131
6. University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$10,595
Enrollment
30,184
7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$8,987
Enrollment
18,946
8. Brown University
Providence, RI • Private
In-state tuition
$55,466
Enrollment
6,752
9. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
10. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
20 best online courses for assistant professors of physics
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1. Exploring Quantum Physics
An introduction to quantum physics with emphasis on topics at the frontiers of research, and developing understanding through exercise...
2. Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms
Course Overview: https://youtu.be/xyF-MmGNxd0 The 20th century was known as the century of physics. In the past 120 years, concepts such as space, time, energy, entropy and particles were understood to much deeper levels. New paradigms of thinking such as relativity and quantum mechanics emerged. This course is the second course in the Understanding Modern Physics series, which covers an introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic physics and quantum information. We will find (i) How the quantum...
3. Quantum Physics: an overview of a weird world (Basics)
A primer on the conceptual foundations of Quantum Physics...
4. QC151 Quantum Physics for QC - Content moved to QC101
This course has become part of QC101. Buy this course if you want only the physics lessons without the rest of QC101...
5. Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity
The 20th century was known as the century of physics. In the past 120 years, concepts such as space, time, energy, entropy and particles were understood to much deeper levels. New paradigms of thinking such as relativity and quantum mechanics emerged. This course is the third course in the Understanding Modern Physics series, which covers an introduction to action principle, fundamental particle physics, entropy & information and complexity. This course offers a broad view between simplicity...
6. Physics 102 - AC Circuits and Maxwell's Equations
This fourth course serves as an introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism. Upon completion, learners will understand how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe fields and how these fields are related to electrical circuits. Learners will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. This fourth course covers AC circuits, Impedance, and Magnetism. Each of the two modules contains reading...
7. Physics - Kinematics for High School and AP Physics 1
This is a comprehensive Algebra based Mechanics course in physics specifically covering topics of Kinematics...
8. Quantum Physics from Beginner to Expert (Quantum mechanics)
From the very fundamentals to advanced topics like quantum computing...
9. Physics of silicon solar cells
The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details. In particular the description of the solar cell operation is restricted to the ideal case In contrast this second MOOC allows a deep understanding of the properties of solar cells based on crystalline semiconductors. It consists in a general presentation of the physics of the photovoltaics devices with a particular emphasize on...
10. Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation
This third course serves as an introduction to the physics of rotational motion and gravitation. Upon completion, learners will understand how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe the motions and interactions of objects around us. Learners will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. This third course covers Rotational motion, Angular Momentum, and Gravitation. Each of the three modules contains...
11. The Complete AP and College Physics Course
Master the College/AP physics from classical to modern physics, then test your knowledge with 300+ practice exercises!...
12. Classical Physics: Journey Through the Laws of the Universe
Peer beneath the surface of reality, understand how the universe works, and develop physics apps that make a difference!...
13. Preparing for the AP Physics 1 Exam
This course is designed for high school students preparing to take the AP* Physics 1 Exam. * AP Physics 1 is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product...
14. Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
This course will begin by discussing superconductivity - a central example of a macroscopic phenomenon. It will then proceed to discuss various modern topics in quantum condensed matter physics, including fractionalization, anyon statistics, topology, and non-equilibrium phases. The course aims to provide learners with an appreciation for some modern topics in condensed matter physics...
15. Intro to Unity 3D Physics: Helicopters
Learn how to create Helicopter physics for Games with Unity 3D and C#!...
16. Game Physics - Introducing Gravitation & Rotation in Unity
Step-by-step tutorial on how to create a basic rigid body motion physics from scratch. Taught in C# using Unity 3D free...
17. Physics 102 - Magnetic Fields and Faraday's Law
This third course serves as an introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism. Upon completion, learners will understand how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe fields and how these fields are related to electrical circuits. Learners will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. This third course covers Magnetic Fields and Faraday's Law of Induction. Each of the three modules contains...
18. Intro to Airplane Physics in Unity 3D - 2017 & 2018
Learn how to build your very own Custom Airplane Physics with Unity & C#...
19. Colombian Wood Therapy Course - Maderoterapia
Learn how to use Colombian Wood Therapy to help your clients reduce cellulite and melt fat...
20. Computational Physics: Scientific Programming with Python
From numerical methods to exciting applications: Differential equations, eigenvalue problems, Monte Carlo methods & more...
Top 10 most affordable universities for assistant professors of physics
The most affordable schools for assistant professors of physics are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for assistant professors of physics are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for assistant professors of physics.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
4. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
5. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
6. Queens College of the City University of New York
Queens, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,338
Cost of attendance
14,281
7. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
8. Lehman College of the City University of New York
Bronx, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,210
Cost of attendance
14,359
9. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
10. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for assistant professors of physics
The hardest universities for assistant professors of physics to get into are Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.
Some great schools for assistant professors of physics are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for assistant professors of physics based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
3. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
4. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
5. Brown University
Providence, RI • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
6. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,461
7. Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,443
8. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
9. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
10. Emory University
Atlanta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,449
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for assistant professors of physics
The easiest schools for assistant professors of physics to get into are University of the Incarnate Word, university of houston - downtown, and barry university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an assistant professor of physics without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for assistant professors of physics.
1. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
2. University of Houston - Downtown
Houston, TX • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,012
3. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
4. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,054
5. Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,033
6. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
7. Linfield College
McMinnville, OR • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,117
8. Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Kingsville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,035
9. Washington Adventist Hospital
Takoma Park, MD • Private
Admissions rate
52%
SAT average
958
10. California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,007
Average assistant professor of physics salary by education level
| Assistant professor of physics education level | Assistant professor of physics salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $61,758 |
| Doctorate Degree | $74,449 |
Assistant professor of physics education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025