Associate in Science, Emphasis in Physics

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Attention: Rio Salado College does not offer the following courses for completion:

PHY115 or PHY121
- PHY115 - This course is available at GCC.
- PHY121 - This course is available at CGCC, EMCC, GWCC, MCC, PVCC, PC, SCC, SMCC.
PHY116 or PHY131
- PHY116 - This course is available at GCC.
- PHY131 - This course is available at CGCC, EMCC, GWCC, MCC, PVCC, PC, SCC, SMCC.

Courses may be offered in-person, online, or in hybrid formats. Please contact a Rio academic advisor for the most current information. All courses completed at any Maricopa Community College are transferable to Rio based on District policy. Estimated additional costs would be consistent with your current tuition rate.

The Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Physics degree provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in Physics or are preparing for application to professional graduate programs in various medical fields. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a career as a secondary education Physics teacher, physicist, or materials scientist. Upon completion of a graduate degree, students may pursue a number of careers, including but not limited to, Physics professor, physicist, engineer, or researcher.

Details

Field of Interest

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Degree Type

Associate in Science (AS)

Academic Plan

Associate in Science, Emphasis in Physics (DEG)

Academic Plan Code

8606

Total credits required

60-64

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

What You'll Learn

Communicate scientific ideas, both qualitatively and quantitatively, using an appropriate technical vocabulary.
Collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds.
Provide order of magnitude estimates for physical quantities in appropriate units.
Describe, predict, and explain real-world phenomena, utilizing a variety of different representations, such as mathematical, graphical, and pictorial formalisms.
Collect and analyze experimental data, and then draw reasonable conclusions to both develop and support the laws of Physics.
Apply principles of Physics to solve problems both inside and outside the classroom.
Transfer information and problem-solving methods from familiar to unfamiliar contexts.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Materials Scientists

$79,740 Show expanded career information for Materials Scientists

Natural Sciences Managers

$133,350 Show expanded career information for Natural Sciences Managers

Physicists

$175,510 Show expanded career information for Physicists

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

$93,960 Show expanded career information for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Quality Control Analysts

$65,020 Show expanded career information for Quality Control Analysts

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

$105,560 Show expanded career information for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Remote Sensing Technicians

$65,020 Show expanded career information for Remote Sensing Technicians

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

$55,180 Show expanded career information for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Associate in Science, Emphasis in Physics
Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Science, Physics
Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Bachelor of Science, Applied Physics
Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Physics
Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science, Physics
University of Arizona, Bachelor of Science, Physics

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1Term 1Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1Term 1Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.	Critical course Gateway course OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area for which MAT22+ is a prerequisite	MA or MA	4–5
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).		FYC or FYC	3
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites		SB or SB or L or SB	3
SB	Social-Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Language	Any 101 Level Language Course		Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5

Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 2Term 2Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.		MA or MA	4–5
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.		L	0–3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
PHY115 or PHY121	University Physics I or University Physics I: Mechanics	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. Corequisites: MAT230 or MAT231. One year High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required.		SQ or SQ	4–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Language	Any 102 Level Language Course		Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5

Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
PHY116 or PHY131	University Physics II or University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism	Prerequisites: (MAT230 or MAT231) and PHY115. Prerequisite or Corequisites: MAT240 or MAT241 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division.		SQ or SQ	4–5
MAT240 or MAT241	Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III	Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231.		MA or MA	4–5
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–5
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
MAT225	Elementary Linear Algebra	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT212 or MAT213 or MAT220 or MAT221, or equivalent.			3
BIO181 or BIO181XT	General Biology (Majors) I or General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.		SQ or SQ	4
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5
MAT225	Elementary Linear Algebra	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT212 or MAT213 or MAT220 or MAT221, or equivalent.	May be completed after transferring to ASU Note: (MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Biophysics majors.		0–3
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5
MAT225	Elementary Linear Algebra	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT212 or MAT213 or MAT220 or MAT221, or equivalent.			3
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective Course				3
Elective	Elective Course				3
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).assessment		0–5
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5

Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3
SB	Social-Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
L	Literacy & Critical Inquiry		Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously.	L	0–3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–5
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.			4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.	(MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Physics majors.	MA or MA	3–4
BIO182 or BIO182XT	General Biology (Majors) II or General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181 or BIO181XT.		SG or SG	4
(CHM152 and CHM152LL) or CHM152AA	(General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152 or SQ	4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.	May be completed after transferring to ASU Note: (MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Biophysics majors.	MA or MA	0–4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.	May be completed after transferring to ASU		0–4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.	(MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Physics majors.	MA or MA	3–4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.			4
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective Course				3
Elective	Elective Course				3
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.			4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.		MA or MA	3–4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.			4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.		MA or MA	3–4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.			4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.		MA or MA	3–4

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.	Critical course Gateway course OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area for which MAT22+ is a prerequisite	MA or MA	4–5
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).		FYC or FYC	3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.	MA or MA	4–5
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.	FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.	L	0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
PHY115 or PHY121	University Physics I or University Physics I: Mechanics	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. Corequisites: MAT230 or MAT231. One year High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 is strongly recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required.		SQ or SQ	4–5
SB	Social-Behavioral Sciences			SB	3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
PHY116 or PHY131	University Physics II or University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism	Prerequisites: (MAT230 or MAT231) and PHY115. Prerequisite or Corequisites: MAT240 or MAT241 or permission of Instructor. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division.		SQ or SQ	4–5
MAT240 or MAT241	Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III	Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231.		MA or MA	4–5

Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites	SB or SB or L or SB	3
SB	Social-Behavioral Sciences		SB	3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–5
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.		4
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.		4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.		4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.		4

Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
MAT225	Elementary Linear Algebra	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT212 or MAT213 or MAT220 or MAT221, or equivalent.			3
(CHM152 and CHM152LL) or CHM152AA	(General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152 or SQ	4
MAT225	Elementary Linear Algebra	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT212 or MAT213 or MAT220 or MAT221, or equivalent.			3
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective Course				3
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.		MA or MA	3–4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.		MA or MA	3–4
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level		May demonstrate proficiency as indicated assessment		0–5
Language	Any 101 Level Language Course		Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.		MA or MA	3–4

Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.	(MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Physics majors.	MA or MA	3–4
BIO181 or BIO181XT	General Biology (Majors) I or General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.		SQ or SQ	4
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.	(MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Physics majors.	MA or MA	3–4
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective Course				3
Elective	Elective Course				3
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level		Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Language	Any 102 Level Language Course		Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5

Term 8Term 8Term 8Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8Term 8Term 8Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
L	Literacy & Critical Inquiry		Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously.	L	0–3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency		3–5
BIO182 or BIO182XT	General Biology (Majors) II or General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181 or BIO181XT.		SG or SG	4
MAT225	Elementary Linear Algebra	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT212 or MAT213 or MAT220 or MAT221, or equivalent.	May be completed after transferring to ASU Note: (MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Biophysics majors.		0–3
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA	(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ	4–5
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective Course				3

Term 9Term 9Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9Term 9Term 9
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department/Division Chair.	May be completed after transferring to ASU Note: (MAT 276 or MAT 277) and (MAT 225) will satisfy the ASU PHY 201 requirement for Biophysics majors.	MA or MA	0–4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.	May be completed after transferring to ASU		0–4
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY116 or PHY131 or permission of Instructor.			4
Second Language	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

C = Cultural Diversity in the US
CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
FYC = First Year Composition
G = Global Awareness
H = Historical Awareness
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design

L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
MA = Mathematics
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

Disclaimer

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190037).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Science (AS) in Associate in Science, Emphasis in Physics