Associate in Science Degree in Physics
San Bruno, USA
Associate of Science
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
About: The AS-T in Physics at Skyline College prepares you to transfer to a California State University in physics or related majors. You’ll learn core physics (mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, E&M, optics, modern physics), lab methods, computerized data collection and statistical analysis. The AS-T guarantees CSU admission (not a campus), requires C or Pass in major courses, and limits post-transfer study to 60 units. Courses run on campus and through Global Online Learning (GOL).
Career Outcomes: Typical paths include STEM educator, physical science technician, research analyst, applications engineer, medical physicist; many roles need a PhD. California physicists earn $129,290 per year.
An Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer (AS-T) from Skyline College is intended for students who are interested in transferring to a California State University (CSU) campus with a major in Physics, or similar majors. The program is designed to teach students analytical skills, mathematical techniques, and knowledge of physics in both the theoretical and experimental domains, as appropriate to prepare students for subsequent upper-division coursework in the same or similar arenas. The theoretical foundation is laid for mechanics, oscillations and waves, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. In laboratory, students are introduced to various measurement techniques and instruments including computerized data collection, and learn to model data and interpret it statistically to produce appropriate conclusions about the natural world. The program will produce students well-prepared to transfer to the California State University (CSU) system to undertake a study of upper-division theoretical and/or experimental coursework in Physics.
Students completing an AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AS-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a Skyline College counselor for further information about university admissions and transfer requirements. A grade of "C" or better, or "Pass" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, is required for each course applied to the major. Some major course requirements may also be applied to meet general education requirements.
In addition to in-person studies, most programs are available through the Global Online Learning (GOL) Program, which allows students to take classes fully online from their home countries.
The San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (SMCSV) offer more than 50 institutional scholarships each year, and all enrolled students are eligible to apply. Award amounts range from $300 to $7,000, helping make college more affordable. Students can also apply for external scholarships, such as the $1,000 Study in California Scholarship, to further support their educational journey.
Required Courses
- Physics with Calculus I
- Physics with Calculus II
- Physics with Calculus III
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry III
Total Required Major Units: 27
General Education - Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
Starting Fall 2025, the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) became the singular general education pathway for California Community College students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for transfer to both the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC).
Up to (7) major course units may be double counted to apply to meet general education requirements. This degree does not require the Skyline College Associate Degree requirements.
Elective courses: If applicable, additional courses to meet the minimum requirement of 60 CSU transferable units.
Please refer to Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) Requirements for more information.
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic level of scientific literacy in physics, conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principles, awareness of different fields of physics and corresponding job opportunities.
- Apply the scientific method, qualitative and quantitative reasoning, advanced mathematical and numerical techniques to find solutions to problems relevant to their future careers and current events.
- Collaborate as part of a team to conduct lab experiments, measure real-world physical behavior, interpret experimental data using modern statistical tools, and communicate their findings effectively.
- Critically evaluate the treatment of physics in media and public policy, and demonstrate a basic understanding of how to engage in physics in an ethical and socially responsible way.
Physics majors can pursue careers in fields as diverse as science, engineering, medicine, education, business, law and the military. Many jobs in physics require a Ph.D., so the program at Skyline College is a good launching point for pursuing education at a four-year university. Examples of careers: STEM educator, physical science technician, research analyst, applications engineer, medical physicist. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Physicists in California make an average of $129,290 per year.