By Kelly Mae Ross, Reporter May 10, 2018, at 12:07 p.m.
Slideshow
Best Schools for Physics Research
(Monty Rakusen/Getty Images)
A physics degree can lead to a career in engineering, computer or information systems, teaching and more.
Here are the top 10 Best Global Universities for Physics, as ranked by U.S. News based on academic research performance in that subject area.
Updated on May 10, 2018: This slideshow has been updated to include ranks from the 2018 U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings.
10. Princeton University10. Princeton University
(Xiaoping Liang/Getty Images)
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 9
Fact: Princeton University offers a two-year postbaccalaureate program aimed at helping students better prepare for graduate-level physics studies, according to the university's website. Students in the program receive financial support.
9. University of Cambridge9. University of Cambridge
(University of Cambridge)
Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Best Global Universities overall rank: 7
Fact: The University of Cambridge physics department has collaborative research programs focused on scientific computing, the physics of medicine and the physics of sustainability, according to the school's website.
8. University of Tokyo8. University of Tokyo
(The University of Tokyo)
Location: Tokyo
Best Global Universities overall rank: 57 (tie)
Fact: Focus areas of University of Tokyo physics researchers include nuclear theory, biophysics and astrophysics and astronomy, among others, according to the university's website.
7. University of Oxford7. University of Oxford
(Nasir Hamid)
Location: Oxford, England, U.K.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 5
Fact: Undergraduates at Oxford University can pursue a four-year joint honors degree in physics and philosophy, according to the university's website.
6. University of Chicago6. University of Chicago
(Robert Kozloff)
Location: Chicago
Best Global Universities overall rank: 14
Fact: NASA named a spacecraft that will travel to the sun later this year after a University of Chicago physics professor known for his research on the star.
5. California Institute of Technology5. California Institute of Technology
(Caltech)
Location: Pasadena, California, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 6
Fact: Undergraduates at the California Institute of Technology can major in physics or in applied physics, which has more of an emphasis on developing new technologies, according to the school's website.
4. Stanford University4. Stanford University
(L.A. Cicero/Stanford News Service)
Location: Stanford, California, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 3
Fact: Stanford University operates the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy science lab, according to the SLAC website.
3. Harvard University3. Harvard University
(Harvard Public Affairs & Communications)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 1
Fact: Among Harvard University's numerous physics-related research centers are the Harvard Quantum Optics Center, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and the Center for Nanoscale Systems, according to the university's website.
2. University of California—Berkeley2. University of California—Berkeley
(Steve McConnell/UC Berkeley Public Affairs)
Location: Berkeley, California, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 4
Fact: In 2016-2017, approximately 110 undergraduates and 35 graduate students earned physics degrees from University of California—Berkeley, according to the department's website.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(Dominick Reuter)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Best Global Universities overall rank: 2
Fact: As of October 2017, a total of 13 Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates have been awarded the Nobel Prize in physics, according to the university's website.
Learn More About Studying OverseasLearn More About Studying Overseas
(adl21/Getty Images)
Familiarize yourself with the differences between bachelor's degree programs in the U.S. and Europe, and discover ways to evaluate a global university without visiting.
Also, follow U.S. News Education on Facebook and Twitter for more rankings and advice.
Read MoreSee More Best Global University Subject Rankings
Kelly Mae Ross
is an education reporter at U.S. News, covering international higher education. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at kross@usnews.com.
Recommended Articles
Ways to Learn About Global Universities
June 5, 2018
Prospective international students can use YouTube videos, blogs and forums to learn about universities abroad.
Top 10 Environment, Ecology Schools
May 14, 2018
The highest-ranked universities in this field are located in six countries.
11 Top Global Universities for Math
April 17, 2018
Look to France, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. for the highest-ranked math schools.
Find Spots at U.K. Universities
April 17, 2018
Prospective international students can get a second chance at U.K. university admission through a process called Clearing.
4 Popular European MBA Programs
April 5, 2018
An MBA that is earned abroad can be more affordable for U.S. students – and appeal to hiring managers as well.
Facts About European University Majors
Feb. 21, 2018
Prospective international students should research majors, minors and double majors before studying in Europe.
Religious Support at Global Universities
Jan. 30, 2018
In addition to faith-based clubs, prospective international students can check if universities abroad have prayer rooms.
10 Things to Know About Non-U.S. MBAs
Jan. 3, 2018
Experts say international MBA programs are typically shorter and more intense than domestic programs.
Play Sports, Study at Global Schools
Dec. 19, 2017
International student-athletes can benefit from sports scholarships and friendships with peers.
IB Prepares Students for Global Studies
Nov. 21, 2017
The International Baccalaureate program can equip high schoolers with skills to earn an undergraduate degree overseas.
International Grad Student Scholarships
Nov. 8, 2017
International students can explore fully funded government and university scholarships to help pay for graduate studies.
International Students at U.K. Schools
Nov. 1, 2017
International diversity at these schools ranges from 25 to 69 percent of the student body.
University Dining Options Go Global
Oct. 25, 2017
From halal to kosher, dining options are expanding to meet international students' needs.
Language Critical at Overseas Colleges
Oct. 24, 2017
Students planning to study overseas should think about the language of instruction and their fluency, experts say.
A European MBA May Cost Less
Oct. 24, 2017
U.S. students may want to look to Europe, where shorter programs can lead to cost savings and faster career growth.
How to Impress Global Universities
Oct. 24, 2017
Prospective students should demonstrate that they are ready and prepared to study internationally.
Weigh Reasons for Graduate Study Abroad
Oct. 24, 2017
Current students and experts discuss when it makes sense to attend a global graduate school.
U.S. News Ranks Best Global Universities
Oct. 24, 2017
The 1,250 top schools in the world are located across 74 countries.
Photos: Top Global Research Universities
Oct. 23, 2017
Learn about the top 20 universities worldwide, as ranked by U.S. News.
Global Universities Offer Themed Housing
Oct. 18, 2017
U.S. and Canadian universities offer international students opportunities to live with like-minded peers.