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

  CORE CURRICULUM                             42 credit hours

(Core options are based on AS degree requirements; however, the full Texas Core can be found here.)

* Please Note:  You may take either ANTH 2346 as a core option under Social / Behavioral Sciences or HUMA 2323 as a core option under Humanities, but not both.

** To meet AS degree requirements, you must complete two mathematics courses from the list for a minimum of six credit hours.  A course will be counted only once.

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.

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