Start your physics degree at Southwestern Illinois College

PHYSICS DEGREE OFFERS A UNIVERSE OF CAREER POSSIBILITIES

Whether you want to explore space, time, matter or the many other intriguing elements of the physical world, a physics degree can do wonders for your career path. Theoretical and experimental physicists are needed in research in many fields including the education, automotive and aerospace industries, defense, health care, energy and IT. The median annual salary for a physicist is nearly $111,000.

You just need a very strong head for numbers, a good grasp of scientific principles and a keen interest in discoveries relating to the physical world, at particle and/or cosmic levels.

EARN A DEGREE IN PHYSICS THE SMART WAY

You can save more than $12,000 on a bachelor’s degree by starting at SWIC and earning your general education requirements for the Associate in Science degree with an emphasis in Physics.

After earning an associate degree, you can transfer to a university to study a variety of topics in physics such as nuclear physics, geophysics, atomic and molecular physics, astronomy, astrophysics and engineering physics.

Most careers in physics require a graduate or doctoral degree.

START WITH AN ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE

You must complete a minimum of 64 semester credits to earn an associate degree. Courses will include a blend of general educational requirements as well as pre-major specific courses.

Core Courses

Course Number Course Description Credits
Total Credits 31
PHYS 204 Physics – Mechanics 4
PHYS 205 Physics – Heat, Elec & Magnetism 5
PHYS 206 Physics – Light & Modern Physics 5
MATH 203 Analytic Geometry & Calculus I 5
MATH 204 Analytic Geometry & Calculus II 5
MATH 205 Analytic Geometry & Calculus III 4
MATH 290 Differential Equations 3

Optional Courses

Course Number  Course Description Credits
MATH 292 Linear Algebra 2
CHEM 105 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 106 General Chemistry II 5

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A variety of careers are open to students with advanced degrees in Physics including:

  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Atomic Physicist
  • Medical Physicist
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Geologist
  • Architect
  • Audio Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Teacher

GET STARTED

For more information, please fill out the form on the Contact page.