Associate Degree in Physics

By Erika Lasrado

Updated February 12, 2023
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Erika Lasrado

Erika has broad experience in counseling, psychology, and human resources. Although she has done a master’s in psychology, she is currently pursuing a master’s in educational psychology to change careers. Erika is a foodie and reader and loves to research and write about various topics when time permits.

Degrees

Master of Psychology, Master of Educational Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

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The science that investigates the fundamental concepts of energy, space, and matter, including the relationship among them, is known as Physics. An associate degree in physics will help students develop investigative skills and learn to analyze magnetism, dynamics, heat, atomic and nuclear physics, sound, and other physical phenomena. There is a wide range of career options for graduates of the associate degree in physics. They can work in industries such as astronomy, education, science research, space exploration as well as medicine. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics predicts a growth of 8% in the overall employment of physicists between 2020 and 2030. This guide will examine the various factors of an associate degree in physics online, including the curriculum, specialization options, cost of the program, and more.

Best Associate Degree
in Physics

Physics associate programs are offered in various institutions across the United States. It is crucial for students to find the right institution which aligns with their objectives and interests. They must consider certain factors such as the tuition fee, location, faculty experience, university reputation, infrastructure, and more. Find Best Degrees (FBD) has assessed numerous programs and colleges offering online associates degrees in physics. Here is a list of the best online schools for associates in physics: *

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

What to Expect from the Associate Degree
in Physics Programs

Degree Types offered in Associate Degree
in Physics Programs

Areas of Specialization in Associate Degree
in Physics Programs

There are various topics in the physics field that students can specialize in. Students with an associate degree in physics who are interested in other topics in the physics field can specialize in those areas. Doing so will help them to customize their education and match their career goals and interests. Here are some of the associate degree specializations in the physics field:

Area of SpecializationCareers This Concentration Prepares ForCareers This Concentration Prepares For
Radiation ProtectionStudents in this specialization study how to monitor radiation levels, use radiation survey instruments to measure levels within and around facilities, and deploy proper protective measures required in various settings.Specialization in radiation protection can lead to jobs in manufacturing, hospitals, and the nuclear industry.
AstronomyThis concentration provides a base for students interested in physics and astronomy and who want to transfer to a bachelor’s program in astrophysics or astronomy.Students can pursue their careers in physics research, education, astronomy, programming, and technology.
Engineering PhysicsThe engineering physics specialization studies the combined fields of physics, engineering, and mathematics to develop an understanding of the interrelationships between these three fields. This concentration provides a foundation for students interested in engineering and physics.This concentration leads to careers involving design, testing systems, development, engineering
Medical Physics Students who choose to specialize in medical physics learn how to use their understanding of physics to develop and use medical radiation therapies, devices, and technologies. They ensure that the machinery is functioning properly and are frequently directly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, as well as in radiation safety and product development.This concentration leads to careers in health care facilities, medical clinics, and private practices.
Health PhysicsIn this specialization, students learn how to apply radiation protection principles, put radiation protection programs into practice, determine radiation exposure and health risks, and help design radiation controls and measurement tools. They also develop a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of radiation to safeguard the environment and the general public’s health.This concentration leads to careers involving radiation safety, environmental health, nuclear physics, etc.

Why should I enroll into an Associate Degree
in Physics Program?

Free Courses for Associate Degree
in Physics Students

When it comes to free online associate degrees in physics, there are none available. However, students who wish to enhance their knowledge in various topics in the field of physics can sign up for some free courses. These free courses are not accredited but can help with exams or writing assignments. Here are some free courses for the associate degree in physics students:

CourseDescriptionProvided by
Various Topics Related to PhysicsCoursera offers some free courses in physics, such as exploring quantum physics, introduction to mechanics, understanding modern physics, and introduction to physics.Coursera
Various Topics Related to PhysicsCoursera offers some free courses in physics, such as exploring quantum physics, introduction to mechanics, understanding modern physics, and introduction to physics.EdX
Various Topics Related to PhysicsMIT OpenCourseWare offers a few undergraduate courses in physics. These are not quite suited for associate degree students, but they can be helpful to them at some point in terms of information.MIT OpenCourseWare

How to get into the Associate Degree
in Physics Program?

How Long does it take to complete Associate
Degrees in Physics

A typical online associate degree in physics will require 60 to 68 credits and about 2 years to complete. The timeline can also depend on the course structure, electives, concentration area, core courses, and other factors. Asynchronous and synchronous classes can also influence the timeline of the program. Students who opt for a part-time degree will take longer to earn their associate degree than full-time students. The average timelines to earn an online associate degree in physics programs are:

Typical time to complete a full-time associate degree in physics program: 2 years

Typical time to complete a part-time associate degree in physics program: between 2 and 3 years

Accelerated Associate Degree
in Physics Programs

Accreditations for Associate Degree
in Physics Programs

How to Pay for an Associate Degree
in Physics?

FAQs Related to Associate Degree in
Physics Programs

What is an associate degree in physics?

What is an associate of science in physics for transfer?

Is an associate degree in physics online?

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How long is an associate degree in physics?

How much can I make with an associate in physics?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after
Associate Degree in Physics

Certifications and Licensing for Associate
Degree in Physics Students

Additional Resources for Associate Degree
in Physics Students

Author Bio:

Erika Lasrado

Erika has broad experience in counseling, psychology, and human resources. Although she has done a master’s in psychology, she is currently pursuing a master’s in educational psychology to change careers. Erika is a foodie and reader and loves to research and write about various topics when time permits.

Degrees

Master of Psychology, Master of Educational Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.