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.


Minor Map

Major/Certificate Map archive


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)

Choose between the following course combinations:

PHY 150 Physics I, SQ (4) or PHY 121 University Physics I: Mechanics, SQ (3) and PHY 122 University Physics Laboratory I, SQ (1)*

and

PHY 151 Physics II, SQ (4) or PHY 131 University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism, SQ (3) and PHY 132 University Physics Laboratory II, SQ (1)**

Also required:
PHY 252 Physics III, SQ (4)
PHY 361 Introductory Modern Physics (3)
two upper-division electives (to be selected with the approval of the physics advisor) (6)
one lab course: PHY 333 Electronic Circuits and Measurements (3) or PHY 334 Advanced Laboratory I, L (3)

*Both PHY 121 and PHY 122 must be taken to secure SQ credit.
**Both PHY 131 and PHY 132 must be taken to secure SQ credit.

A minimum of 12 upper-division credit hours are required to complete this minor. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for all courses.

Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, 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.