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Physics

Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 (PHST2AS)

This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 degree requirements with a concentration in Physics. Completion of this degree allows you to transfer at the junior level into a Physics program at a four-year college or university which ...

This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 degree requirements with a concentration in Physics. Completion of this degree allows you to transfer at the junior level into a Physics program at a four-year college or university which opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including engineering, computer science, research in the public and private sector, and education. Students in this pathway develop an understanding of physics and skills in experimental design, teamwork, project management, programming, advanced math, technical writing, applying physics to interdisciplinary problems, and effective communication.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 (PHST2AS) Full time : 8 90-113

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

90-113 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
CHEM&139
General Chemistry Prep
5 units
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
CHEM&161
General Chem W/Lab I
6 units
CSC110
Intro to Cmptr Progming
5 units
MATH&142
Precalculus II
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your education plan with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
  • Connect with potential universities' admission offices at transfer fairs and info sessions and determine application procedures and deadlines.
  • Consider taking summer classes (such as a Visual, Literary and Performing Arts or Individuals Cultures and Societies class) or an internship.
  • Attend “Making Learning and Teaching Visible” campus event every spring.
  • Consider Student Leadership positions, lab assistnat, tutoring center, and other on-campus jobs
  • Apply for Summer financial aid.
CHEM&162
General Chem W/Lab II
6 units
MATH&151
Calculus I
5 units
PHYS&114
General Phys I W/Lab
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
10 UNITS
To-Do List
MATH&152
Calculus II
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
21 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
  • Contact Physics department at potential universities.
  • Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
  • Write your personal statement for university applications.
  • Consider taking an internship.
CHEM&163
General Chem W/Lab III
6 units
MATH&163
Calculus 3
5 units
PHYS&221
Engineering Physics I
5 units
Recommended: UGR 294
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List

 

 

MATH220
Linear Algebra
5 units
PHYS&222
Engineering Physics II
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5 units
Quarter 7
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Check in with university for transfer plan,
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
  • Attend graduation celebrations and commencement ceremony
  • Check transfer requirements for recommended electives if time such as: 200 level science and math courses such as: Statistics (MATH&211), Undergraduate Research, Technical Writing, Biology, Computer Science, Organic Chemistry, Engineering, Foreign Language, Astronomy, GEOL101,
MATH224
Vector Calculus
5 units
PHYS&223
Engineering Physics III
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5 units
Quarter 8
To-Do List
5 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Consider taking summer classes or an internship.
MATH238
Differential Equations
5 units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2025-26.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

A Physics pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Physical sciences technician 
  • Physics Teacher 
  • Engineer 
  • Programmer 
  • Research scientist 
  • Web developer 
  • IT consultant/data analyst 
  • Financial analyst 
     

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit www.bls.gov/oes. Students in the state of Washington who graduate with a physics bachelor's degree have been employed by a variety of companies including Allen Institute for Brain Science, Amazon, Boeing, Fidelity Investments, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Google, HP Inc., Microsoft, Puget Sound Energy, and Seattle Children's Research Institute.

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete the AS-Track 2 degree, additional education opportunities include: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Physics. In addition, prepares you well for graduate coursework in Engineering, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics or a related field at a four-year college or university. 
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges such as Application Development at North Seattle College.

North Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Physics graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. For example, the University of Washington requires two quarters of world language for admission, three quarters to graduate. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Physics programs in Washington state or around the country. 

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Program Contact

Physics Department Contact
Mike Steffancin
email
(206) 934-3680

Math & Science Division

Location IB 2429

Division Contacts
(206) 934-3746
(206) 934-3748 (fax)

Mailing Address
NSC Math & Science Division
9600 College Way N
3N2429
Seattle, WA 98103

Dean
Alissa Agnello

Advising Contact

Contact the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Area of Study advisor.

Phone: (206) 934-3658