Physics
Physics
Physics is the study of how nature works. Processes within the entire universe, including your body, are explained with the principles of Physics. Completion of the Physics: Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) will prepare you to meet minimum lower division admission requirements (60 transferable units) for transfer to a California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). Some UC's require additional coursework, please meet with a counselor for additional information. The Physics program map below includes all of your major coursework and recommended general education courses by term that is needed to fulfill your degree and transfer requirements.
PHYSICS - ADT (CSU and UC) 3-year plan
*For first term Math course please see MyPortal for your proper placement or see a counselor if you have AP scores of 3 or higher.
| Term 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| Art History 6/6H, Music 19, Dance 6/6H or Theater Arts 3 | 3 |
| English 1A or 1AH | 4 |
| Math 36* | 4 |
| Political Science 1 | 3 |
| Term 2 | Units |
|---|---|
| English 1B or 1BH | 4 |
| Communication Studies 1, 6 or 9 | 3 |
| Math 10 | 5 |
| Term 3 | Units |
|---|---|
| Anthropology 2 or Sociology 1 or 2 or 12 | 3 |
| History 15 | 3 |
| Math 1A | 4 |
| Physics 4A | 4 |
| Term 4 | Units |
|---|---|
| Guidance 46 | 1 |
| History 1 or 2 | 3 |
| Math 1B | 4 |
| Physics 4B | 4 |
53-64 units
| Term 5 | Units |
|---|---|
| Math 1C | 4 |
| Physics 4C | 4 |
| Psychology 1 | 3 |
| Elective | 1 |
65-75+ units
| Term 6 | Units |
|---|---|
| Biology 18 or 19 | 3 |
| Foreign Language (or two years of high school foreign language) | 4-5 |
| Physics 4D | 4 |
For alternative CSU General Education options refer to the RCC Catalog, under Requirements for College Transfer.
Milestones
- Complete English 1A (transfer-level English)
- Complete 1st year of Calculus (MAT 1A and MAT 1B)
- Apply to Universities (CSU/UC application period Oct 1-Nov 30)
- Apply for ADT degree by beginning of spring term before transfer
- Complete RCC Graduation application (during your last term)
- Meet with your Counselor to Complete your Comprehensive Student Education Plan (SEP)
- Complete FAFSA (Oct 1st - Mar 2nd for priority)
- Meet with Geography Faculty Advisor for career opportunities
- Meet with your Counselor to update SEP (every semester)
- Meet with your Counselor for pre-graduation check
- Research Potential Clubs on Campus
- Participate in tutoring, student success workshops or supplemental instruction
- Visit the Career Center for Internship opportunities
- Research transfer institutions
- Attend Transfer workshops and Transfer Fair
- Participate in an internship/ job shadowing
- Participate in a research activity (meet with Faculty Advisor)
Careers for Physics Majors
Salaries Range : $48,944 - $147,211
- Theoretical Physicist
- Research Physicist
- Astrophysicist
- Nuclear Physicist
- Accelerator Physicist
- Optical Physicist
- Engineer