Physics Area of Concentration Degree
The physics area of concentration is a transfer program that provides the first two years of courses necessary for a four-year baccalaureate degree in physics.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve basic physics problems.
- Integrate natural sciences to build solid foundation in physics applications using appropriate mathematical skills.
- Use appropriate and varied computer application software in physics.
- Design, perform, collect, and analyze data for simple physics experiments using the scientific method.
Program Advising Guide
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Physicists and astronomers typically need a PhD for jobs in research and academia. However, physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics. After receiving a PhD in physics or astronomy, many researchers seeking careers in academia begin in temporary postdoctoral research positions.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for Physics majors follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- MATH 181 - Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)
- CMSC 140 - Introduction to Programming 3 semester hours
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) **
- Program Elective, 3 semester hours †
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- PHYS 161 - General Physics I: Mechanics and Heat 3 semester hours (NSND/GEEL)
- MATH 182 - Calculus II 4 semester hours
- Program Elective, 3 semester hours †
Third Semester
- PHYS 262 - General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- MATH 280 - Multivariable Calculus 4 semester hours
- MATH 282 - Differential Equations 3 semester hours
- Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- Program Elective, 3 semester hours †
Fourth Semester
- PHYS 263 - General Physics III: Waves, Optics, and Modern Physics 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- MATH 284 - Linear Algebra 4 semester hours
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) **
- Humanities Distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD)
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or elective. English course placement is determined by Accuplacer English/Reading Test, AP/IB, or transfer credits.
** Behavioral and Social Science Distribution (BSSD) courses must come from different disciplines.
† Program elective from the following disciplines: BIOL, CHEM, CMSC, DATA, ENES, ENEE, GEOL, depending on your transfer institution.
AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.
