Best institutions to study Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
Any instructional program in physical science technologies not listed above.
1 U.S. institutions graduated 2 Physical Science Technologies/Technicians students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 41.0399, a specialization of Physical Science Technologies/Technicians (CIP 41.03), and leads most directly to the Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health occupation (BLS SOC 19-4042).
About Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs
Any instructional program in physical science technologies not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program is designed for students interested in the practical applications of physical science in various industries. This program prepares individuals to support environmental and scientific efforts through hands-on training and technical skills. It is ideal for those who enjoy working with data and conducting experiments in real-world settings. Students in this program will gain a foundational understanding of physical science technologies, equipping them with the necessary skills to address environmental challenges and support scientific research. This program is well-suited for individuals seeking a career in science technologies or those looking to enhance their technical expertise in related fields.
Core skills developed in this program include reading comprehension, active listening, writing, and critical thinking. Students will also gain knowledge in customer service, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, which are essential for conducting tests and analyzing data in various scientific contexts.
Credentials awarded
What Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution100%
Graduates over time
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Top 1 institutions for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Essex Community College Haverhill, MAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 21% | — |
Offered in 1 states
Where Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates come from. Each state links to all Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 1 | 2 | Northern Essex Community College2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4042, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program can pursue careers as Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, among other roles. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth of 4% and approximately 5,600 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $49,490, typically requiring an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 41.0399
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Healthprimary SOC 19-4042 | $55,090 | +4.0% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Associate's degree |
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other SOC 19-4099 | $62,280 | +3.5% About as fast as average | ~10,600 | Associate's degree |
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians SOC 19-4043 | $53,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~1,300 | Associate's degree |
Hydrologic Technicians SOC 19-4044 | $64,790 | -2.1% Decline | ~400 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
Tools and technology used
Other Physical Science Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Physical Science Technologies/Technicians (CIP 41.03).
Common questions
What degree do I earn in this program?+
You will earn an Associate's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, science, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as Environmental Science and Protection Technicians or in other related roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4%.
What is the CIP code for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians?+
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians is CIP 41.0399 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Physical Science Technologies/Technicians (CIP 41.03). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in physical science technologies not listed above.
How many institutions offer Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs?+
1 U.S. institutions reported Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 1 states, awarding 2 credentials in the year. That is 0.1% of all Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health occupation, which Physical Science Technologies/Technicians most directly leads to, pays a median of $55,090 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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