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Physics, BS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Undergraduate Degrees
  3. Physics, BS

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool


Expand your understanding of the universe on a deep, fundamental level by participating in innovative research areas and cross-disciplinary collaborations that are at the forefront of today's most compelling questions. If you're interested in immediate practical applications, this bachelor's degree program lays the foundation for success.

Program Description

Physics is concerned with the nature, structure and interactions of matter and radiation. In the BS program in physics, students develop general problem-solving skills that enable them to interpret and solve new problems covering virtually any phenomenon in the physical universe, including classical or quantum systems, electric or magnetic behavior, and thermal or statistical physics.

The BS program in physics provides a solid foundation in physical science and mathematics, and prepares students for further graduate study in physics, other sciences or engineering programs.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

Current ASU students who wish to change their major to physics should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all critical classes they have completed.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

The wide variety in applicability of the principles of physics allows for great flexibility in a choice of career or further education.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in physics possess analytical and technical skills suitable for employment in areas such as data analytics, education, engineering, finance, information technology, materials science, science communication and more.

Graduates are also prepared for admission to graduate school or advanced study in astronomy, engineering, mathematics, medicine and physics.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Astronomers

  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128330
  Bright Outlook

Architectural and Engineering Managers

  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 159920

Nuclear Engineers

  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: 122480

Physicists

  • Growth: 4.7%
  • Median Salary*: 142850
  Bright Outlook

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 3.8%
  • Median Salary*: 86550

Radiologists

  • Growth: 3.6%
  • Median Salary*: 0

Biochemists and Biophysicists

  • Growth: 6.7%
  • Median Salary*: 103810
  Bright Outlook

Technical Writers

  • Growth: 6.9%
  • Median Salary*: 79960
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Students gain valuable experience through study abroad, experience that enhances their resumes. With more than 300 programs available in a variety of countries around the world, study abroad allows students majoring in physics to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets.

Graduates who possess the heightened cultural competency, leadership and critical thinking skills they acquired when studying abroad may stand out in a competitive field.

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.

  • physics.undergrad@asu.edu
  • 480/965-3561


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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