How many years of college is needed to become a physicists?

A minimum of four years of college is needed to earn a bachelor's degree in physics. However, most physicists pursue further education. Many go on to earn a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), which typically takes an additional 4-6 years of study beyond the bachelor's degree. While a bachelor's degree can qualify someone for some entry-level physics-related jobs, a PhD is generally required for research positions and most academic positions.