Physics

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 ...

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.

Before Quarter One

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
Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
  • Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
  • 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
  • "> To-Do List Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
  • Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
  • 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
  • ">
    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
    • Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
    • 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
    HDC101
    Orientation to College
    3 units
    STEM118
    Sci, Equity, Social Justice
    2 units
    MATH&141
    Precalculus I
    5 units
    Quarter 2
    Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and
    other scholarships"> To-Do List Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and
    other scholarships">
    16 UNITS
    To-Do List
    ENGL&102 or CMST&101 or CMST&220
    Choose a course
    5 units
    MATH&142
    Precalculus II
    5 units
    CHEM&161
    General Chemistry W/ Lab I
    6 units
    Quarter 3
    Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
  • Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
  • Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium
  • "> To-Do List Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
  • Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
  • Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium
  • ">
    16 UNITS
    To-Do List
    • Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
    • 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
    CHEM&162
    General Chemistry W/ Lab II
    6 units
    CSC110
    Intro to Computer Programming
    5 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
    MATH&152
    Calculus II
    5 units
    Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 1
    Choose a course
    5 units
    Quarter 5
    To-Do List
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    • 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
    MATH&163
    Calculus 3
    5 units
    Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 2
    Choose a course
    5 units
    Quarter 6
    To-Do List
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    • Check in with university for admissions status
    PHYS&223
    Engineering Physics III W/ Lab
    5 units
    MATH238
    Differential Equations
    5 units
    Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Quarter 7
    Apply for graduation for the AS-Track 2
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join Seattle Central Alumni Association
  • Attend graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
  • "> To-Do List Apply for graduation for the AS-Track 2
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join Seattle Central Alumni Association
  • Attend graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
  • ">
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    MATH220
    Linear Algebra
    5 units
    Individuals/Cultures/Societies
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Individuals/Cultures/Societies
    Choose a Course
    5 units

    More Information

    Tuition and Funding

    It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
    either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2026-27.

    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.

    Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

    Career Opportunities

    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.

    Additional Information

    Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

    Area of Study

    Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

    Program Contact

    For more information, contact
    Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Business Division
    206.934.3858
    STEMB.Central@seattlecolleges.edu

    Advising Contact

    Advising hours and services: seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/transfer-and-career-advising/meet-advisor

    Schedule in-person, Zoom, or phone appointments: Starfish

    Email: AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu

    Phone: 206.934.4068

    Location: Broadway Campus BE1102D