Physics Degree
Physics is a part of everything from the stars that shine at night to the cell phone you will turn off when you get to class and the football student-athletes pass around at practice. In the ASU Physics Department, you will study astronomy, electronic instruments and quantum mechanics, plus other exciting areas.
The Physics Department is based in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building along with the ASU Planetarium. The department has a multimedia classroom and uses technology to enhance teaching in most of the freshmen and sophomore classes. Advanced classes are mostly theory-based.
About half of the department's graduates go on to graduate school and the other half get jobs in industry. The physics Bachelor of Science degree plan has three flexible options designed to help you pursue your desired career path. The department also has agreements with Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University that allow students to advance within their areas of specialization.
Applied Physics
This option includes advanced lab work and is intended to help students begin careers or continue on to graduate school in the areas of engineering, chemistry, math and computer science as well as medical school. It includes pre-engineering curriculum. Graduates work in national research laboratories, aerospace, telecommunications/technology and the semiconductor industry as well as other areas.
Physics
This option prepares students for studying physics in graduate school.
Secondary Certification
This option allows graduates to teach physics in middle and high schools.
3+2 Applied Physics and Engineering Dual Degree Program with Texas A&M University
In this program, students major in applied physics at ASU for three years and then transfer to Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering for the final two years. Students graduate with two bachelor’s degrees: one in applied physics from ASU and the other from TAMU in one of several available engineering majors.
4+1 Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Physics Program with Texas Tech University
This agreement allows ASU physics graduates to get a master’s degree in physics from Texas Tech University in just one additional year of school.
Pre-Engineering Agreement
ASU physics students who earn a C or better in Chemistry I and Calculus I may transfer to Texas Tech University to earn a bachelor’s degree in one of several engineering options.
Pre-Architecture Agreement
Entering freshmen can begin courses in the ASU College of Business and then transfer to Texas Tech University to continue the dual-degree curriculum for a Bachelor of Science in architecture and a Bachelor of Business Administration in general business.
