Physics (Minor)
Do you have a desire to better understand the world around you? With a minor in physics, you'll extend your studies in nature, structure and interactions of matter and radiation while developing the fundamental scientific understanding and problem-solving skills you need to succeed in a variety of challenging career opportunities.
Program Description
The physics minor provides students with the fundamental concepts of physics beyond the introductory level. Through rigorous hands-on experience, students deepen their understanding of foundational concepts and develop their quantitative skills.
Through upper-division electives, students can tailor the minor to enhance their career outlook.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program Requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in applied physics; BS in biophysics; BA and BS in physics; BS in physics (secondary education)
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Enrollment Requirements
Required Courses (24)
The minor in physics requires a minimum of 24 credit hours, at least 12 of which must be completed at the upper-division level. Each course must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Required Courses -- 12 credit hours
PHY 121: University Physics I: Mechanics (SQ) AND PHY 122: University Physics Laboratory I (SQ) or PHY 150: Physics I (SQ) (4)
PHY 131: University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism (SQ) AND PHY 132: University Physics Laboratory II (SQ) or PHY 151: Physics II (SQ) (4)
PHY 252: Physics III (SQ) or PHY 241: University Physics III AND PHY 202: Programming for Physicists (4)
Electives -- 12 credit hours
Choose one of the following options for the remaining required coursework. (12-15)
Option 1
PHY 361: Introductory Modern Physics (3)
PHY 333: Electronic Circuits and Measurements or PHY 334: Advanced Laboratory I (L) (3)
PHY Upper Division Elective (6)
Option 2
PHY 201 and PHY 302 are required.
PHY 201: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (CS) (3)
PHY 302: Mathematical Methods in Physics II (3)
Select nine additional credit hours (three courses) from the below list.
PHY 310: Classical Particles, Fields, and Matter I (3)
PHY 311: Classical Particles, Fields, and Matter II (3)
PHY 314: Quantum Physics I (3)
PHY 315: Quantum Physics II (3)
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.