Physics and Astronomy
Associate in Science-Transfer, Track 2
Two-year Degree
90 Units
This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Science Track 2 degree requirements with a concentration in Physics and Astronomy.
If you are curious about the mysteries of the universe, this pathway is for you. This pre-major pathway prepares you to transfer at the 2nd or 3rd year level into a four-year institution. In this pathway, you will explore topics such as motion, light, sound, magnets, electricity, and more. You will also have the opportunity to investigate these concepts in laboratory settings.
South’s program is well-known for:
- active-learning curricula
- hands-on experiments
- collaborative group learning
Physics and astronomy develops skills that are highly valued in the STEM workforce, including:
- curiosity
- problem solving
- analytical abilities
- mathematical modeling
- design and interpretation of experiments
- research experience
- clear communication
Physicists and astronomers have global opportunities to work in areas such as aerodynamics, climate change mitigation, technological design, medical physics, and more. It can also be excellent preparation for Business or Medical School, which both seek out physics majors because of the high-tech nature of medical care and manufacturing in our society.
Get Started
College Application Steps
Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).
College Tuition
Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.
Save money at South. Taking your first two years of coursework and prerequisites at a community college will save you thousands of dollars.
Financial Aid
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Program Information
The Physics and Astronomy pathway can lead to various career opportunities.
Examples include:
Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.
Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:
- A bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, applied physics, engineering, computer science or a related field at a four-year college or university.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.
South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.
Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.
South Seattle College offers several associate degrees designed for transfer students. Please review our transfer degrees page to find the degree requirements for your chosen pathway.
Units
The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start and is constrained by 6 quarters, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some classes listed may require a pre-requisite class. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.
Before you begin:
- Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
- Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
- If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Welcome Center.
- Research and apply for grants and scholarships. Visit the Benefits Hub.
Quarter 1, 18 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH& 141 | Precalculus I | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| ASTR& 100 | Survey of Astronomy | 5 |
| STEM 111 | Stem Exploration: It All Begins With A Question! | 3 |
Quarter 2, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH& 142 | Precalculus II | 5 |
| CHEM& 139 | General Chemistry Prep | 5 |
| CSC 110 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 5 |
Quarter 3, 16 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM& 161 | General Chemistry With Lab I | 6 |
| MATH& 151 | Calculus I | 5 |
| Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts | 5 |
Quarter 4, 16 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH& 152 | Calculus II | 5 |
| PHYS& 221 | Engineering Physics I | 5 |
| CSC 142 or CHEM&162 or recommended elective | Choose a course | 6 |
Quarter 5, 17 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH& 163 | Calculus 3 | 5 |
| PHYS& 222 | Engineering Physics II | 5 |
| PHIL& 101 or any Individuals, Cultures, & Societies | Choose a course | 5 |
| STEM 118 | Science, Equity, and Social Justice | 2 |
Quarter 6, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS& 223 | Engineering Physics III | 5 |
| MATH 238 | Differential Equations | 5 |
| ICS or VLPA | Choose a course | 5 |
Program data from ctcLink:
- Academic Plan: PHST2AS
- Degree: AS-T_T2
- Plan Transcript Description: Associate in Science-Transfer to Engineering, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences
- Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 40.0101
New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.
Welcome Center
RSB 72
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943
Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.
Advising Center
RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387
To update degree or certificate information please start with how to make edits to academic program data.