Physics ,BS
Astrophysics, Nanotechnology, Nature, Researcher, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, engineering, materials, nuclear, prehealth, premed
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 addressing today's most compelling questions. For those who are interested in immediate practical applications, this program lays the foundation for success.
Physics is concerned with the nature, structure and interactions of matter and radiation. In the Bachelor of Science program in physics, students develop general problem-solving skills that enable them to interpret and solve new problems that involve 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 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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First
required math course:
MAT 270 - Calc w/Analytic Geometry I
OR MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I - Math
intensity: Substantial
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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 visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® 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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.
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 enables students majoring in physics to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets.
Graduates who have the heightened cultural competence, and leadership and critical thinking skills they acquired when studying abroad may stand out in a competitive field.
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 BS in physics have 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 job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.6%
|
$128,330
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$159,920
|
|
|
1.1%
|
$122,480
|
|
|
4.7%
|
$142,850
|
|
|
3.8%
|
$86,550
|
|
|
3.6%
|
Not available
|
|
|
6.7%
|
$103,810
|
|
|
6.9%
|
$79,960
|
Department of Physics
|
PSF 470
physics.undergrad@asu.edu
480-965-3561
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
