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Experimental physicist education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There are several educational requirements to become an experimental physicist. Experimental physicists usually study physics, electrical engineering, or legal research and advanced professional studies. 58% of experimental physicists hold a bachelor's degree, and 17% hold an doctoral degree. We analyzed 16 real experimental physicist resumes to see exactly what experimental physicist education sections show.
The most common colleges for experimental physicists are the City College of New York of the City University of New York, The and the City College of New York of the City University of New York, The.
There are also many online experimental physicist courses to help get the education required to be an experimental physicist.
What education do you need to become an experimental physicist?
What degree do you need to be an experimental physicist?
- Bachelor's, 58%
- Doctorate, 17%
- Master's, 17%
- Associate, 8%
What should I major in to become an experimental physicist?
Most common colleges for experimental physicists
| Experimental physicist common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| City College of New York of the City University of New York, The | 9.09% |
| University of Washington | 9.09% |
| Heidelberg University | 9.09% |
| Old Dominion University | 9.09% |
| Arapahoe Community College | 9.09% |
Best majors for experimental physicists
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physics | 69.2% |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering | 15.4% |
| 3 | Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies | 7.7% |
| 4 | Electrical Engineering Technology | 7.7% |
Best colleges for experimental physicists
The best colleges for experimental physicists are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and Yale University.
An experimental physicist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for experimental physicists. 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 experimental physicists.
1. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
3. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
In-state tuition
$53,430
Enrollment
5,963
4. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$14,184
Enrollment
30,845
5. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA • Private
In-state tuition
$17,653
Enrollment
16,405
6. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
7. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
8. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,382
Enrollment
5,597
9. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
10. University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$13,226
Enrollment
31,568
20 best online courses for experimental physicists
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1. Experimental Methods in Systems Biology
Learn about the technologies underlying experimentation used in systems biology, with particular focus on RNA sequencing, mass spec-based proteomics, flow/mass cytometry and live-cell imaging. A key driver of the systems biology field is the technology allowing us to delve deeper and wider into how cells respond to experimental perturbations. This in turns allows us to build more detailed quantitative models of cellular function, which can give important insight into applications ranging from...
2. ANOVA and Experimental Design
This second course in statistical modeling will introduce students to the study of the analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and experimental design. ANOVA and ANCOVA, presented as a type of linear regression model, will provide the mathematical basis for designing experiments for data science applications. Emphasis will be placed on important design-related concepts, such as randomization, blocking, factorial design, and causality. Some attention will also be given to...
3. Introduction to Laser-Cutting
Learn to create designs for laser-cutters in less than a day...
4. Software Architecture & System Design Practical Case Studies
Design Real-life Large Scale Systems, Practice Modern Software Architecture & Prepare for a System Design Interview...
5. Design of Experiments
Learn modern experimental strategy, including factorial and fractional factorial experimental designs, designs for screening many factors, designs for optimization experiments, and designs for complex experiments such as those with hard-to-change factors and unusual responses. There is thorough coverage of modern data analysis techniques for experimental design, including software. Applications include electronics and semiconductors, automotive and aerospace, chemical and process industries,...
6. Selective Laser Sintering and Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Powder bed fusion is one of the additive manufacturing processes that has found the most application in functional part production. In this course we discuss this process in the context of polymers (selective laser sintering) and metals (laser powder bed fusion), with an emphasis on machine setup and post-processing. The necessary elements for each course are lecture videos, knowledge checks, and project completion. For additional information on certain topics, I've included supplemental...
7. Complete Software Engineering Course with Python
Learn Python 3 with Software Engineering Concepts Learn Python GUI, Object Oriented Programming, Data Visualization.....
8. The Complete LabVIEW Essentials - Code & Acquire Data Now
Learn Lab VIEW, Connect to Hardware and Write Professional Software. Taught by a Certified Lab VIEW Architect and Expert...
9. Systems Biology and Biotechnology Capstone
NOTE: In order to take this course you should have taken and complete the following courses in the Signature Track: Introduction to Systems Biology, Network Analysis in Systems Biology, Dynamical Modeling Methods for Systems Biology, Experimental Methods in SB and Integrated Analysis In Systems Biology...
10. Systems Biology and Biotechnology
Design systems-level experiments using appropriate cutting edge techniques, collect big data, and analyze and interpret small and big data sets quantitatively.\n\nThe Systems Biology Specialization covers the concepts and methodologies used in systems-level analysis of biomedical systems. Successful participants will learn how to use experimental, computational and mathematical methods in systems biology and how to design practical systems-level frameworks to address questions in a variety of...
11. The Complete LabVIEW Programming 2020: Beginner to Advanced
Learn Everything About Lab VIEW Programming, Software, Sensors, Serial And Ethernet Data Acquisition (DAQ) of Lab VIEW...
12. Laser Hair Removal and IPL rejuvenation for aestheticians
Laser hair removal ( IPL and diode) , and IPL skin rejuvenation(acne, texture, pigmentation, vascular)...
13. NI LabVIEW: Become a LabVIEW Test Engineer
Learn Lab VIEW from industrial experienced consultant, starting from basic programming to advanced Lab VIEW projects...
14. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems and Avionics
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Systems of Airplanes - Hydraulics, Avionics, Electric, Propulsion...
15. Design and Analysis of Experiments DoE
Design of Experiments: from ANOVA to Factorial Designs using Excel and R...
16. Complete Field Instrumentation Engineering Course
Flow, Level, Temperature and Pressure Instrument - Selection, Sizing, Calculation and Detail Engineering...
17. Requirements Engineering: Software Engineering
Everything you need to know about software requirements: elicitation, analysis, documentation, validation and management...
18. Unreal Engine C++ The Ultimate Shooter Course
Master Unreal Engine by Creating a Complete Shooter Game!...
19. C++ Code Like you are in MATRIX: Mastering C++ in 12 Hours
Unleash the Power of C++ and Take Your Programming Skills to the Next Level! C++ and Data structures , CPP Unreal Engine...
20. Software Architecture & Design of Modern Large Scale Systems
Become a Software Architect or Technical Lead by Mastering Software Architecture, System Design & Big Data Processing...
Top 10 most affordable universities for experimental physicists
The most affordable schools for experimental physicists are University of Florida, california state university - long beach, and brigham young university.
If the best universities for experimental physicists 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 experimental physicists.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
3. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
4. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
5. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
6. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
7. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
8. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,140
Cost of attendance
14,430
9. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$8,987
Cost of attendance
25,527
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for experimental physicists
The hardest universities for experimental physicists to get into are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and Yale University.
Some great schools for experimental physicists 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 experimental physicists 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. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,517
4. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
5. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
6. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
Admissions rate
9%
SAT average
1,516
7. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
8. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
9. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
10. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for experimental physicists
The easiest schools for experimental physicists to get into are Linfield College, oregon institute of technology, and san francisco state university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an experimental physicist 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 experimental physicists.
1. Linfield College
McMinnville, OR • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,117
2. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
3. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,054
4. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,149
5. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,062
6. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
1,086
7. Suffolk University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,131
8. Portland State University
Portland, OR • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,111
9. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,111
10. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
Average experimental physicist salary by education level
| Experimental physicist education level | Experimental physicist salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $66,136 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $51,787 |
| Doctorate Degree | $83,561 |
Experimental physicist education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025