60 credit hours

The science of physics seeks to understand the physical universe and deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the most fundamental level. By observation, physicists search for the basic principles that explain natural phenomena. The concepts of physics overlap many disciplines. Knowledge of physics provides a strong background for careers in science, engineering, computer technology, or education.

The Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Physics prepares the student to pursue university studies leading to a bachelor’s degree. The basic AS program, at the general physics level, prepares students for further education in fields such as biology, medicine, or secondary education. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in fields such as physics, engineering, or computer science will require the more advanced mathematics and physics.

Students planning to transfer to a college or university should check the specific degree plan requirements of their intended major.

Career Options

Physics students may select a career in a wide range of scientific and technical fields. Students should bear in mind that most of these career areas require education or training beyond the Associate of Science degree. Depending on the career plans of the student, the Physics emphasis will be at the general physics or the college physics level.

Career fields available to the physics student include:
     Aerospace Technology
     Astronomy
     Biophysics
     Chemistry
     Computer Science
     Elementary or Secondary Education
     Engineering - Civil, Electrical, or Industrial
     Geophysics
     Hydrogeology
     Medicine
     Meteorology
     Patent Law
     Physics

AS Core Curriculum                                           45 credit hours

Additional Graduation Requirement                    3 credit hours

General Physics Level

Students seeking degrees in biology or pre-medicine should select general physics courses.

University Physics Level

Students seeking advanced degrees in science and engineering fields should select advanced levels of physics and mathematics courses (such as the courses listed below) for the AS degree.

PHYS 2425 University Physics I
PHYS 2426 University Physics II
MATH 2413 Calculus I
MATH 2414 Calculus II

Recommended Electives                                    12 credit hours
PHYS 1403 Stars and Galaxies
PHYS 2389 Academic Co-op Physics
CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II
ENGL 2311 Technical and Business Writing
MATH 2312 Pre-Calculus
MATH 2318 Linear Algebra
MATH 2320 Differential Equations
MATH 2415 Calculus III

Note: The second digit in a course number indicates the number of credit hours
for that course.