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Physics is the study of nature’s most basic interactions between matter and energy. An Associate in Science (AS) degree in Physics will prepare students for transfer to a university to major in physics or in a closely related career for which physics is an integral part. With continued education, students can pursue a wide range of career paths in teaching, medicine, science writing, science policy, government, and management in technical fields. Potential job titles could include physics teacher, physicist, materials scientist, engineer, or researcher.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Collect, analyze, and communicate information about basic mechanical systems
- Engage in scientific inquiry
- Apply physics principles to solve problems
- Collect, analyze, and communicate information about basic electric systems
- Collect, analyze, and communicate information about basic magnetic systems
Programs
Click on a program to get more information.
AS in Physics
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC-S certificate also included)
Prior to First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 150 & 183 or MAT 151 & 183 or MAT 187 * |
College Algebra w/ Review & Plane Trigonometry or College Algebra: Standard & Plane Trigonometry or Precalculus * |
5+2 or 4+2 or 5 |
Pre-requisite for MAT 220 (counts towards elective credits) |
| * MAT 187 has a pre-requisite of MAT 121 or MAT 150 or MAT 151 | 5-7 |
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| MAT 220 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 | GE-Mathematics |
| ART or HUM | Choose one course from Arts or Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts/Humanities |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| CHM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| MAT 230 | Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 5 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I | 4 | Major Requirement |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 241 | Calculus III with Analytic Geometry | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II | 4 | Major Requirement |
| ART or HUM | Choose one course from Arts or Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts/Humanities |
| SOC | Choose one Writing Intensive course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences (Writing Intensive) |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGR 123 | Introduction to Structured Programming | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 262 | Differential Equations | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| SOC | Choose one Writing Intensive course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| Elective | Choose a 100 level or higher elective | 3 | General Elective |
| 12 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Paths and Requirements
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS, BA, BAE | Physics, Biophysics, Earth & Space Exploration, Secondary Education | required for BA in Physics only |
| Northern Arizona University | BS, BSED | Physics, Astronomy, Secondary Education | None |
| University of Arizona | BS | Physics, Astronomy | 2nd Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.
Career Overview & Job Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists. |
$62,400 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency. |
$62,770 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data. |
$64,030 |
| Materials Scientists Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists. |
$92,560 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology. |
$96,580 |
| Electrical Engineers Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. |
$98,240 |
| Industrial Engineers Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination. |
$98,530 |
| Mechanical Engineers Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. |
$99,030 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms. |
$101,940 |
| Astronomers Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. |
$115,920 |
| Aerospace Engineers Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques. |
$126,850 |