Physics A.S.

Associate in Science
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,025* (estimated)

Explore the underpinnings of our universe

Who is going to design the electric cars that last longer? It could be you. Physics explores the building blocks of our universe—and ourselves. Your 2-year Associate in Science in physics degree prepares you to transfer to a university.

You may account for fault lines in building design or take the lead on the electrification of the nation. Take your drive for scientific research into the lab and practice applying physics to everyday life.

What can you do with an A.S. in Physics?

Maximize your career trajectory by working with an Academic Success Advisor who recommends the best way to transfer to your preferred university. An Associate in Science (A.S.) in physics prepares you for a variety of careers—not just a physicist.

Former students have moved on to pursue 4-year degrees in physics, which allows them to teach in high schools, work in research labs or apply for graduate school. Your desired role may require more education.

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

    Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.


Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 145

    MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

    Class Description

    This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CHM 121

    CHM 121 General Chemistry I

    Class Description

    This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 145
      Course Title

      MTH 145 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

      Class Description

      This course covers the calculus of algebraic and transcendental functions. Analytic geometry topics are limited to the line and circle. Calculus topics include limits, differentiation and integration of both algebraic and transcendental functions, including trigonometric functions, with applications. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CHM 121
      Course Title

      CHM 121 General Chemistry I

      Class Description

      This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 146

    MTH 146 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of MTH 145. Techniques of integration, applications of integration, differential equations, parametric equations, polar coordinates and infinite sequences and series will be covered. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHY 123

    PHY 123 Physics for Science and Engineering I

    Class Description

    This is the first course in a three semester sequence designed for students in engineering, physics, mathematics and chemistry. Fundamental concepts of mechanics are developed through lecture, demonstration and laboratory experience. NOTE: MTH 146 is strongly recommended as a corequisite for this course and is a prerequisite for PHY 124 if you are planning to enroll in Physics for Science and Engineering II.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    BIO 161

    BIO 161 General Biology I

    Class Description

    This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 146
      Course Title

      MTH 146 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of MTH 145. Techniques of integration, applications of integration, differential equations, parametric equations, polar coordinates and infinite sequences and series will be covered. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHY 123
      Course Title

      PHY 123 Physics for Science and Engineering I

      Class Description

      This is the first course in a three semester sequence designed for students in engineering, physics, mathematics and chemistry. Fundamental concepts of mechanics are developed through lecture, demonstration and laboratory experience. NOTE: MTH 146 is strongly recommended as a corequisite for this course and is a prerequisite for PHY 124 if you are planning to enroll in Physics for Science and Engineering II.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code BIO 161
      Course Title

      BIO 161 General Biology I

      Class Description

      This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available

    Course options: Students can choose ENG 126 instead of ENG 122. Students can also choose BIO 123 instead of BIO 161.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHY 124

    PHY 124 Physics for Science and Engineering II

    Class Description

    This is the second course in a three semester sequence. Fundamental concepts of heat, electricity, and magnetism are developed.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    MTH 246

    MTH 246 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of MTH 146. Topics include vectors in two and three dimensions, vector operations, lines and planes in space, vector functions, functions of more than one variable, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, gradients, and multiple integrals. Solid analytic geometry topics include quadric surfaces, cylindrical and spherical coordinates and curves in 3-space. Vector calculus topics include vector fields, line integrals, surface integrals, curl and divergence, Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    GEG 123

    GEG 123 World Regional Geography

    Class Description

    This introductory social science course emphasizes the human and physical geography of the world's major regions. Each region is surveyed as to its location and component countries and peoples, world importance, distinctive physical and cultural characteristics, relations to other areas of the world, and the major problems and potentialities associated with each. Students will gain a better geographic perspective on current affairs and an enhanced appreciation of travel.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHY 124
      Course Title

      PHY 124 Physics for Science and Engineering II

      Class Description

      This is the second course in a three semester sequence. Fundamental concepts of heat, electricity, and magnetism are developed.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code MTH 246
      Course Title

      MTH 246 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of MTH 146. Topics include vectors in two and three dimensions, vector operations, lines and planes in space, vector functions, functions of more than one variable, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, gradients, and multiple integrals. Solid analytic geometry topics include quadric surfaces, cylindrical and spherical coordinates and curves in 3-space. Vector calculus topics include vector fields, line integrals, surface integrals, curl and divergence, Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code GEG 123
      Course Title

      GEG 123 World Regional Geography

      Class Description

      This introductory social science course emphasizes the human and physical geography of the world's major regions. Each region is surveyed as to its location and component countries and peoples, world importance, distinctive physical and cultural characteristics, relations to other areas of the world, and the major problems and potentialities associated with each. Students will gain a better geographic perspective on current affairs and an enhanced appreciation of travel.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of GEG 123.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    MTH 227

    MTH 227 Ordinary Differential Equations

    Class Description

    This is an introductory course that involves the solving of various ordinary linear and nonlinear differential equations of first and higher order and the solving of systems of differential equations. Methods include separation of variables, various substitution techniques, use of integrating factors, undetermined coefficients, and variation of parameters. Laplace transforms, infinite series, and selected numerical methods. Applications include simple harmonic motion, population growth and decay, cooling, L-R-C circuits, and mixing problems. Uniqueness and existence theorems are covered. It is intended for students of science, mathematics, and engineering that features modeling and graphical visualization as central themes. NOTE: Computer software and graphing calculators are integrated into the course where appropriate.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHY 221

    PHY 221 Physics for Science and Engineering III

    Class Description

    This is the third course in a three semester sequence. Fundamental concepts of waves, sound, optics, and modern physics will be developed.
         		4
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DNC 240

    DNC 240 The Art of Dance

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to an interdisciplinary, multicultural study of the art of dance. Combining an historical framework with various dance genres and a study of stylistic movement, the course introduces ancient and modern trends; a variety of genres, including ballet, modern, jazz, kabuki, court, and video; psychological and philosophical aspects of movement; and the work of selected choreographers. Students will examine cross-cultural and historical views of a variety of theatrical and non-theatrical dance forms and investigate the numerous ways that dance functions in different societies. Students will demonstrate the ability to contextualize their views within the framework of the course content. Students will also move from the study of history and the creative process of dance to the role of a member of the dance audience and dance critic.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ECO 221

    ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics

    Class Description

    This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 227
      Course Title

      MTH 227 Ordinary Differential Equations

      Class Description

      This is an introductory course that involves the solving of various ordinary linear and nonlinear differential equations of first and higher order and the solving of systems of differential equations. Methods include separation of variables, various substitution techniques, use of integrating factors, undetermined coefficients, and variation of parameters. Laplace transforms, infinite series, and selected numerical methods. Applications include simple harmonic motion, population growth and decay, cooling, L-R-C circuits, and mixing problems. Uniqueness and existence theorems are covered. It is intended for students of science, mathematics, and engineering that features modeling and graphical visualization as central themes. NOTE: Computer software and graphing calculators are integrated into the course where appropriate.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHY 221
      Course Title

      PHY 221 Physics for Science and Engineering III

      Class Description

      This is the third course in a three semester sequence. Fundamental concepts of waves, sound, optics, and modern physics will be developed.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DNC 240
      Course Title

      DNC 240 The Art of Dance

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to an interdisciplinary, multicultural study of the art of dance. Combining an historical framework with various dance genres and a study of stylistic movement, the course introduces ancient and modern trends; a variety of genres, including ballet, modern, jazz, kabuki, court, and video; psychological and philosophical aspects of movement; and the work of selected choreographers. Students will examine cross-cultural and historical views of a variety of theatrical and non-theatrical dance forms and investigate the numerous ways that dance functions in different societies. Students will demonstrate the ability to contextualize their views within the framework of the course content. Students will also move from the study of history and the creative process of dance to the role of a member of the dance audience and dance critic.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ECO 221
      Course Title

      ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics

      Class Description

      This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Humanities courses instead of HUM 127. Students can choose other International/Multicultural Humanities and Fine Arts courses instead of DNC 240. Students can also choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of ECO 221.

Total Credit Hours

63

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Physics A.S. at CLC

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