Physics (Accelerated)
Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 (PHST2AS)This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 degree requirements with a concentration in Physics (Accelerated). An “accelerated” pathway assumes students already have some background knowledge in physics, chemistry, computer science, and at the calculus level for mathematics either from high school or other college coursework. Alternatively, most physics students follow the non-accelerated Physics pathway. Please see your advisor to make your personalized educational plan for a pathway that works best for you.
Completion of this degree allows you to transfer 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. Students in this pathway 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.
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 (PHST2AS) | Full time : 6 | 90-108 |
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
Before Quarter One
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies Math (if needed).
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies English (if needed).
- Take CHEM&139 General Chemistry Prep as a prerequisite to CHEM&161 General Chemistry with Lab I or take the chemistry placement exam.
- PHYS& 114 or high school physics if needed.
- CSC 110 (or programming class).
- Apply for Financial Aid and other funding before your first quarter. Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college.
- Transfer previous college credits to North if applicable.
- Attend New Student Orientation.
- Explore placement options: take the math and English placement tool if needed.
- Make an informed choice on the number of units to take each quarter.
- F-1 international students must enroll full time (12+ units) each quarter and check in with the International Programs office before the start of the quarter if enrolling in less than 12 units and/or before starting any work or volunteer experience.
- If you need academic accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Disability Services.
Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle 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
90-108 UnitsA 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, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.
Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats 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
- Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. Learn more about Starfish here.
- Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling and career services.
- Come to the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
- Visit the Student Learning Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
- Check out campus life: Student Clubs (Physics, Rocket Club, Engineering Club) and Affinity Groups, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), TRIO, Equity & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- Join Society of Physics Students and/or American Association of Physics Teachers.
- Introduce yourself to a physics faculty member to plan early.
- Apply to LSAMP.
- Create an educational plan with your assigned advisor.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
- Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
- Visit North's Transfer webpage for transfer information.
- Attend Engineering Mentor Night
- Apply for Washington State Opportunity Scholarship and WISE scholarship
- Consider applying for an NSF summer REU (National Science Foundation) undergraduate research experience.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- Consider Student Leadership positions, lab assistant, tutoring center and other on-campus jobs.
- Visit potential universities, view geology research areas, and determine application deadlines.
- Consider taking summer classes (such as a Visual, Literary and Performing Arts or Individuals Cultures and Societies class) or an internship.
- Update your educational plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor.
- Contact Physics/Astronomy department at potential universities.
- Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
- Attend STEM Career Fair.
- Write your personal statement for university applications.
- Check transfer requirements for recommended electives if time such as: Statistics (MATH&211), Undergraduate Research, Technical Writing, Biology, Computer Science, Organic Chemistry, Engineering, Foreign Language, Astronomy, Geology 101.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Check with transfer university requirements for ENGR&240.
- Apply to universities or colleges.
- Attend Engineering Mentor night.
- Apply for the Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 2 (AS-Track 2) degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
- Consider applying for a summer NSF REU (National Science Foundation) undergraduate research experience or Society of Physics student website.
- Attend on-campus graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
- Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
More Information
Tuition and Funding
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2024-25.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North'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 www.bls.gov/oes. Students in the state of Washington who graduate with a physics bachelor's degree have been employed by a variety of companies including Allen Institute for Brain Science, Amazon, Boeing, Fidelity Investments, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Google, HP Inc., Microsoft, Puget Sound Energy, and Seattle Children's Research Institute.
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete the AS-Track 2 degree, additional education opportunities include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics. In addition, prepares you well for graduate coursework in Engineering, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics or a related field at a four-year college or university.
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges such as Application Development at North Seattle College.
North Seattle 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 North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. For example, the University of Washington requires two quarters of world language for admission, three quarters to graduate. Contact an 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 MathProgram Contact
Physics Department
Contact
Mike Steffancin
email
(206) 934-3680
Math & Science Division
Location IB 2429
Division Contacts
(206) 934-3746
(206) 934-3748 (fax)
Mailing Address
NSC Math & Science Division
9600 College Way N
3N2429
Seattle, WA 98103
Dean
Vashti Bryant
Advising Contact
Contact the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Area of Study advisor.
Phone: (206) 934-3658