Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 (PHST2AS)
This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Science - Track 2 degree with a concentration in Physics. Students in this program develop an understanding of physics and skills in experimental design, teamwork, project management, programming, advanced math, technical writing, applying physics to interdisciplinary ...
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This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Science - Track 2 degree with a concentration in Physics. Students in this program develop an understanding of physics and skills in experimental design, teamwork, project management, programming, advanced math, technical writing, applying physics to interdisciplinary problems, and effective communication.
Completion of this program prepares students to transfer at the junior level into a Physics program at a four-year college or university which opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including engineering, computer science, research in the public and private sector, and education. It also prepares students well for graduate coursework in Engineering, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics or a related field at a four-year college or university.
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This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Science - Track 2 degree with a concentration in Physics. Students in this program develop an understanding of physics and skills in experimental design, teamwork, project management, programming, advanced math, technical writing, applying physics to interdisciplinary problems, and effective communication.
Completion of this program prepares students to transfer at the junior level into a Physics program at a four-year college or university which opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including engineering, computer science, research in the public and private sector, and education. It also prepares students well for graduate coursework in Engineering, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics or a related field at a four-year college or university.
Estimated Length of Completion
Degree
Quarters
Units
Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 (PHST2AS)
Full time : 7
108
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
Step 1: Apply and register
at Seattle Central College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the
online class schedule and go to the
academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.
Step 2: See an advisor
to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter.
Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation
if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.
Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List
108 Units
A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below.
The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time.
The guide assumes a fall quarter start and college placement, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.
Note about the sample schedule: Classes are offered in
various formats such as online (e-learning) and may not be offered each quarter.
Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.
Click
to see details
Quarter 1
To-Do List
15
UNITS
To-Do List
Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects
Apply to the Ready Set Transfer (RST) Academy
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
ENGL&101 5 units
This pathway assumes placement into ENGL&101. Speak to an advisor if you place into a different English course.
ENGL& 101:
English Composition I
English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
Course ID 0707825 Units
HDC101
Orientation to College
3 units
HDC101 3 units
HDC 101:
Orientation to College Success
This course is recommended for new students.
Assists new students in their adjustment to community college. Includes goal-setting, self-motivation skills, identifying college resources, personal development and general study hints.
Course ID 0695893 Units
STEM118
Sci, Equity, Social Justice
2 units
STEM118 2 units
STEM 118:
Science, Equity, and Social Justice
Examines the role of science in, and its application to, issues of equity and social justice through selected topics. Foundational history and a basic grasp of various topics in STEM introduced. These facts will provide a platform from which to launch an analysis of current issues of inequality in the United States (e.g., systemic oppression of peoples based on race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). .
Course ID 0717422 Units
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
MATH&141 5 units
MATH& 141:
Precalculus I
The sequence Math& 141 and Math& 142 covers polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; related functional and algebraic topics; topics in analytic geometry; systems of equations; trig and inverse trig functions; right triangle and oblique triangle trig; polar coordinates; vectors; and related trig applications. Fulfills the QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
Course ID 0716175 Units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
16
UNITS
To-Do List
Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities
Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.
Course ID 0707835 Units
CMST& 101:
Introduction to Communication
Intro to communication as a transactional process, with attention to personal, cultural, group and public communication. Covers verbal and nonverbal messages, listening, self-concept and perception.
Course ID 0706265 Units
CMST& 220:
Public Speaking
Covers the process of getting started with confidence; topic selection and research; and preparation and delivery of informative, persuasive, special occasion and other forms of presentations. Prereq: Placement into ENGL& 101.
Course ID 0706295 Units
MATH&142
Precalculus II
5 units
MATH&142 5 units
MATH& 142:
Precalculus II
The sequence Math& 141 and Math& 142 covers polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; related functional and algebraic topics; topics in analytic geometry; systems of equations; trig and inverse trig functions; right triangle and oblique triangle trig; polar coordinates; vectors; and related trig applications. Fulfills the QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
Course ID 0716185 Units
CHEM&161
General Chemistry W/ Lab I
6 units
CHEM&161 6 units
CHEM& 161:
General Chemistry W/ Lab I
For science majors. A three-quarter sequence introducing basic concepts of chemistry: structure and bonding, chemical reactivity, physical measurement, stoichiometry, structure of matter, gas laws, intermolecular forces, solutions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base, thermodynamics, redox and electrochemistry. Satisfies the general chemistry requirement for science and engineering majors, pre-Med, pre-Pharmacy, pre-Veterinary, etc. Lab included.
Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium
MATH&151
Calculus I
5 units
MATH&151 5 units
MATH& 151:
Calculus I
The sequence MATH&151, &152 and &163 covers limits, differential calculus and its applications, integral calculus and its applications, intro to differential equations, series including Taylor series, vector geometry in three dimensions, multivariable calculus, partial differentiation, double integrals in Cartesian and polar coordinates and applications.
Course ID 0716215 Units
CHEM&162
General Chemistry W/ Lab II
6 units
CHEM&162 6 units
Choose one course from either category.
CHEM& 162:
General Chemistry W/ Lab II
For science majors. Second of three-quarter sequence introducing basic chemistry concepts: structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, physical measurement, stoichiometry, structure of matter, gas laws, intermolecular forces, solutions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base, thermodynamics, redox and electrochemistry. Satisfies the general chemistry requirement for science and engineering majors, pre-Med, pre-Pharmacy, pre-Veterinary, etc. Lab included.
Course ID 0713476 Units
CSC110
Intro to Computer Programming
5 units
CSC110 5 units
Click on the hyperlink. Choose any course from the list.
CSC 110:
Introduction to Computer Programming
An overview of computer program design and problem solving with a focus on problem analysis, program development, testing and debugging. Students will use functions, control structures, and data structures to develop a variety of increasingly complex programs to solve scientific and technical problems. Students will learn to document and test their solutions. Programming language may vary.
Course ID 0713605 Units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15
UNITS
To-Do List
Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
Research and contact Physics departments at potential universities
Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
Attend transfer day at prospective university
Write your personal statement for university applications
PHYS&221
Engineering Physics I W/ Lab
5 units
PHYS&221 5 units
PHYS& 221:
Engineering Physics I W/ Lab
Development of the basic principles of classical mechanics--kinematics, Newton's laws and the conservation laws using calculus. Lab included.
Course ID 0716915 Units
MATH&152
Calculus II
5 units
MATH&152 5 units
MATH& 152:
Calculus II
The sequence MATH&151, &152 and &163 covers limits, differential calculus and its applications, integral calculus and its applications, intro to differential equations, series including Taylor series, vector geometry in three dimensions, multivariable calculus, partial differentiation, double integrals in Cartesian and polar coordinates and applications. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
Course ID 0716225 Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 1
Choose a course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 1 5 units
Choose a World Language level 1 or other Visual, Literary, and Per Art class from the hyperlink below.
Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships
Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities
Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university
PHYS&222
Engineering Physics II W/ Lab
5 units
PHYS&222 5 units
PHYS& 222:
Engineering Physics II W/ Lab
Covers Maxwell's classical laws of electricity and magnetism which developed from the study of the Laws of Coulomb, Ampere, Gauss and Faraday. Lab included.
Course ID 0716925 Units
MATH&163
Calculus 3
5 units
MATH&163 5 units
MATH& 163:
Calculus 3
The sequence MATH&151, &152 and &163 covers limits, differential calculus and its applications, integral calculus and its applications, intro to differential equations, series including Taylor series, vector geometry in three dimensions, multivariable calculus, partial differentiation, double integrals in Cartesian and polar coordinates and applications. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
Course ID 0716245 Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 2
Choose a course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 2 5 units
Choose a World Language level 2 or other Visual, Literary, and Per Art class from the hyperlink below.
Introduction to waves and oscillations and the study of sound, geometric and physical optics. Covers the dualistic particle-wave nature of microscopic phenomena as an intro to modern physics. Lab included.
Course ID 0716935 Units
MATH238
Differential Equations
5 units
MATH238 5 units
MATH 238:
Differential Equations
Covers first order differential equations, second order differential equations, their applications, and Laplace transforms. Covers the elementary theory of differential equations and the interrelationship between pure mathematics and applied mathematics.
Course ID 0716095 Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
Choose a Course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts 5 units
Click on the hyperlink. Choose any course from the list.
Intro to linear algebra and its implications. Includes systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, inner product spaces, eigenvalue problems, and similarity transformations.
Course ID 0716075 Units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies 5 units
Click on the hyperlink. Choose any course from the list.
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2025-26.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit
Central's Financial Aid Department for details.
Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
A Physics pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
Physical sciences technician
Physics Teacher
Engineer
Programmer
Research scientist
Web developer
IT consultant/data analyst
Financial analyst
A Bachelor’s degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/. To discuss additional careers options, speak with faculty once you begin classes or contact the Career Exploration Center. CareerServicesCenter@seattlecolleges.edu or 206.934.4383
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include, but are not limited to:
A Bachelor’s degree in Physics or a related field at a four-year college or university.
Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Physics graduates from Central have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact a Central advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Physics programs in Washington state or around the country.