With an associate degree in physics from Normandale, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of motion, energy, matter and the universe. You’ll sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills — and you’ll get a solid foundation in math.
You’ll develop a range of skills that can be applied to many areas. Your analytical mind will be put to work forming logical, scientific arguments that can be applied to the study of physics, math, engineering and more. These are your first educational steps toward a career in physics.
Courses in our physics program emphasize physics and calculus, but you’ll also diversify your learning by taking communications, history and natural science courses.
Here’s the best part: You’ll be well prepared to further your study of physics, engineering, or astronomy at a four-year university to start your STEM career.
The short answer: When you study toward an associate degree in physics, you can pursue a wide variety of careers in physics and other STEM fields. Physics and math form the foundation for many industries and disciplines including computer engineering, aviation, medical imaging, architecture, energy production, and more.
As a physics student, you could study electricity and magnetism, wave properties, relativity and quantum theory, thermodynamics, properties of light, motion and kinetics, laser technology, and more.
Students who study physics and engineering are in high demand. You’ll develop critical skills to solve real-world problems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent through 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Throughout their careers, physicists and astronomers get paid very well. In May 2020, the median annual salary for physicists was $129,850 and for astronomers it was $119,730.
Did you know Normandale is the largest single source of transfer students to the engineering programs at the University of Minnesota? This is because we offer a comprehensive, math-intensive, problem-solving approach to the study of physics.
Also, upon graduating with an associate degree in physics, you’ll be ready to enter the highly competitive world of physics, engineering, and astronomy as a junior in a four-year degree program.
Our faculty are top notch, too. Their experience covers a wide range of topics including physics, astronomy, engineering and science education.
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