Physics

Associate of Science

The Physics degree is designed for students wishing to pursue studies in the field of physics, either as a university major or as preparation for a teaching career.

Salary: $78,000–$128,600 / year (Nevada)

Career Outlook: Slower than average growth

Good To Know: Graduate degrees required for career advancement and higher salaries

WNC Academic Division: Science, Mathematics & Engineering

Total Requirements: 60–62 Units (Credits)

Course Requirements
Program Requirements		36–38 Units (Credits)
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II	4
MATH 181	Calculus I	4
MATH 182	Calculus II	4
MATH 283	Calculus III	4
MATH 285	Differential Equations	3
PHYS 180	Engineering Physics I	3
PHYS 180L	Engineering Physics I Lab	1
PHYS 181	Engineering Physics II	3
PHYS 181L	Engineering Physics II Lab	1
PHYS 182	Engineering Physics III	3
PHYS 182L	Engineering Physics III Lab	1
PHYS 293	Directed Study	1-3
General Education Requirements		24 Units (Credits)
English/Communications Requirements Recommended: ENG 101, ENG 102		6
Fine Arts Requirements		3
Humanities Requirements Recommended: CH 201, CH 202		6
Social Sciences Requirements		6
U.S. and Nevada Constitution Requirements		3
A list of all courses filling general education requirements for the Associate of Science can be found on the Associate of Science page.

Note: EPY 150 is strongly recommended but not required for graduation. CHEM 201 and 202 are acceptable in lieu of CHEM 121 and 122.

Suggested Course Sequence

1st Year

First Semester: 17 Credits

CHEM 121: 4
General Ed Courses: 9
MATH 181: 4

Second Semester: 15 Credits

CHEM 122: 4
General Ed Courses: 3
MATH 182: 4
PHYS 180: 3
PHYS 180L: 1

2nd Year

Third Semester: 14 Credits

General Ed Courses: 6
MATH 283: 4
PHYS 181: 3
PHYS 181L: 1

Fourth Semester: 14–16 Credits

General Ed Courses: 6
MATH 285: 3
PHYS 182: 3
PHYS 182L: 1
PHYS 293: 1–3

Mission and Outcomes

Mission: The purpose of the Associate of Science with an Emphasis in Physics is to provide the academic knowledge and skills for successful transfer to meet higher educational goals.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students who complete an Associate of Science degree at WNC are expected to demonstrate that they:

have met the general education student learning outcomes
know conceptual and analytical fundamentals of classical and modern physics as well as electricity and magnetism
can succeed in their transfer institutions

Download the Student Learning Outcomes/Course Matrix [ PDF / 20 KB ]