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Jun 07, 2026
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2026-27 Catalog
Associate in Science-Transfer to Engineering, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences (Concentration: Physics)
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 Return to: Degree & Certificate Programs
Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. The goal of physics is to understand how and why things work from first principles. Applications range from quantum computers to new radiotherapies for curing cancer to sustainable energy sources. Physics is great preparation for almost any career because it teaches us how to analyze complex problems and equips us with strong quantitative reasoning skills that can be applied to any scientific or technical field. This is typically achieved through active learning in lecture- or discussion-based teaching combined with hands-on laboratory experience. The broad range of outcomes satisfies requirements for various majors in STEM, as well as developing or improving scientific literacy applicable to many industrial settings.
The Associate in Science degree in Physics lays a foundation for a bachelor's degree in physics or astronomy, as well as a useful starting point for bachelor's degrees in math or engineering physics. A bachelor's physics degree is a passport into a wide range of careers in science, engineering, and technology including research, teaching, medicine, law, science journalism, science and energy policy, government, non-profit and finance. The skills obtained can also be immediately applicable to employment as a laboratory assistant, quality control officer or physical sciences technician.
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Requirements
Importance of Advising. Advising is an important part of completing a degree. Each student should meet with an advisor as early as possible. Students are responsible for checking the transfer requirements of the college or university they plan to attend; advisors can help with this. General Requirements
- 90 Credits Total: Complete at least 90 credits of courses numbered 100 or higher
- 2.0+ Cumulative GPA: Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Note: Some Physics programs require a higher cumulative GPA and/or a higher GPA in specific courses.
- 25% of Total Credits at Highline: Complete at least 25% of your total credits at Highline. This is the “Residency” requirement.
- 75+ Credits Fully Transferable: At least 75 credits must be designated as fully transferable. All Distribution Area and PE Activity courses are fully transferable.
- Maximum 15 Credits Restricted: Courses that are not fully transferable are called “restricted.” Students can use no more than 15 restricted credits for their degree. Restricted courses include most Professional-Technical courses, College Studies, PE Activity courses, independent studies, credit by examination, military experience credit, CLEP and other nontraditional credit. AP courses are generally not restricted.
- Maximum 15 Credits CR/NC: You can choose to have a course graded as CR/NC, but no more than 15 credits of CR/NC courses can apply to your degree.
For more information, refer to the Associate Degree and Certificate Requirements page. Communication Skills: 5 credits
Humanities and Social Science: 15 credits
A complete list of courses in the Humanities and Social Science distributions can be found on the Distribution Areas page. Complete the following:
- 5 credits in Humanities
- 5 credits in Social Sciences
- 5 credits in Humanities or Social Sciences
Quantitative Skills: 15 credits
Pre-Major Program: 30 credits
Remaining Credits: 25 credits
Choose 25 additional credits from the following courses. Course selection is often dependent on the transfer institution. Math courses, such as MATH 220 - Linear Algebra and MATH& 264 - Calculus IV are strongly recommended. Suggestions for the remaining credits include: ASTR& 101 - Introduction to Astronomy with Lab and/or CSCI 232 - Data Science with Python. If unsure, please consult an advisor about the proper courses to complete your degree. Total Program Credits: 90
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the physics of motion, Newton’s laws, conservation of energy and momentum, electricity and magnetism, basic thermodynamics, waves and oscillations.
- Apply algorithmic and symbolic thinking to the problem-solving process.
- Use order of magnitude calculations to understand the scale of phenomena.
- Compare and contrast observations of physical phenomena with expected, theoretical and/or modeled behavior.
- Prepare, logical, well-reasoned, clear and concise lab reports.
- Apply classroom knowledge to private and public discussions of science issues.
- Understand, interpret and assess the value of publicly presented science issues.
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