Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree for Transfer in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 2 Cal-GETC General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer (A.S.-T) prepares students to transfer in to the CSU system leading to a baccalaureate degree in Physics. Please consult a counselor regarding specific course requirements for your transfer institution.  Completion of the A.S.-T degree also provides guaranteed admission to the CSU system, although does not guarantee admission to a specific campus or major. In addition to the A.S-T degree requirements, students are encouraged to complete additional courses, that may be articulated as major preparation, prior to transfer. Some typical courses that may be articulated are Mathematics 287, Mathematics 290, Chemistry 219, and Computer Science 120.  While these additional courses are not required for this degree, they will better prepare students for upper-division Physics coursework at a CSU.  Upon completion of the A.S-T, students will become grounded in the fundamental physical laws as well as quantitative and analytical reasoning.  Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree in Physics, students may then move in to careers in applied physics, education, and/or as assistant research scientists.

Requirements for all Associate Degrees for Transfer:

  1. Completion of 60 semester CSU transferable units.
  2. Completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).  
  3. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of at least a 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework.
  4. Minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major. If the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis the "P" must be equal to a "C" or better.
  5. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in the major or area of emphasis.

Students will develop communication via coherent and succinct scientific writing, creative and critical thought for problem solving, and technological competence in the use of computerized sensors, software, and programming for scientific purposes.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

First Semester

17 units

Second Semester

18 units

Third Semester

14 units

Fourth Semester

15 units