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Physics A.S. Degree - Local GE

This program provides students with a thorough overview of the field of physics. Students will have demonstrated sufficient understanding in the fields of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, modern physics, the scientific method, mathematics, and chemistry to successfully transfer to a four-year institution with a major in physics.

Total Units:
59-60

First Year

Semester 1

16 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
MATH 400
Calculus I
5
MATH 375, OR MATH 372 AND MATH 373, OR MATH 384
F, S
CRC Area L2
CHEM 400
General Chemistry I
5
Intermediate Algebra or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics AND CHEM 300 or CHEM 305 or CHEM 309, OR one year of high school chemistry with lab
F, S, Su
CRC Area L4
Local Area 1A-English Composition
3
Recommend meeting with a counselor
F, S, Su
CRC Area L1A
Local Area 1B-Oral Communication & Critical Thinking
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L1B

Semester 2

14 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
MATH 401
Calculus II
5
MATH 400
F, S
CRC Area L2
PHYS 411
Mechanics of Solids and Fluids
4
MATH 400
F, S, Su
CRC Area L5
CHEM 401
General Chemistry II
5
CHEM 400
F, S
CRC Area L4

Year 2

Semester 3

15 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
MATH 402
Calculus III
5
MATH 401
F, S
CRC Area L2
PHYS 421
Electricity and Magnetism
4
MATH 401 & PHYS 411
F, S
CRC Area L4
Local Area 4-Social & Behavioral Sciences
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L4
Local Area 6-Ethnic Studies
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L6

Semester 4

14-15 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
PHYS 431
Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics
4
MATH 401 & PHYS 411
F, S
CRC Area L4
MATH 420
Differential Equations
4
MATH 401
F, S
CRC Area L2
Local Area 3-Arts & Humanities
3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L3
Local Area 7A-Living Skills (PE)
1
F, S, Su
CRC Area L7A
Local Area 7B-Living Skills
2-3
F, S, Su
CRC Area L7B

^You must have passed the prerequisite course(s) with a ā€œCā€ or better; Corequisite must be taken during the same semester; Advisory means it is recommended but not required to enroll in the course.

*(O) = online available  (P) = partially online

Career Options/Outlook:

Physicists with advanced degree conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories based on observations and experiments and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.  Career opportunities require more than an associate degree.

A sample of reported job titles:

Biophysics Scientist, Health Physicist, Physicist, Research Consultant, Research Physicist, Research Scientist, Scientist  

Projected job openings in California (2020-2030):

560

Projected growth in California (2020-2030):

36%

Median Salary in California (2021):

$164,930/yr

Transfer notes:

Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

General Education (GE):

Non-specified GE courses identified by CRC or Cal-GETC Area without pre- or co-requisites can be taken at any semester.

Honors option:

The CRC Honors Program is designed specifically for academically accomplished students and for students with the potential for high achievement. Students who complete 15 units or more in honors-designated courses will earn special recognition as an Honors Scholar, a distinction that may entitle the student to guaranteed transfer and scholarship opportunities at select transfer colleges and universities.

About this program map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Published May 16, 2025

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