Course and Degree Planning

We want you to succeed!

As such please do e-mail us at physics@highline.edu if you have any questions, need help finding an advisor, or even if you are not sure about whether you want to pursue physics or astronomy. If you are interested in Astronomy, you will still need to complete a physics AS degree and when you transfer, you can choose to obtain a physics BS with specialization in astronomy or a BS in astronomy specifically. Either one allows you to pursue careers in astronomy with physics being considered more generally applicable.

Below is some key information but remember that your educational path is unique to you. Seek out a faculty advisor as soon as you can so you have someone who can support you on your journey.

The Most Important Step: Request a Faculty Advisor

Faculty advisors can help you with:

Planning Classes
Career advice
Choosing a specific engineering discipline
Transfer university choices
Transfer university applications
Looking for scholarships and internships
Finding campus resources
Overcoming obstacles
Being a source of support and encouragement

You should meet with your faculty advisor every quarter so that you can make sure you are on track for your degree, and you get the information and resources you need to succeed. Do not try to go it alone!

Important Tips for Ensuring You Succeed

Start taking math as soon as possible. To get your math placement, please go to the Entry Advising and speak to an entry advisor by emailing entryadvising@highline.edu
- Math is a prerequisite for all science classes.
- To graduate on time you need to take math every quarter.
- Please do not drop/withdraw from a math class without talking to your instructor.
Take series courses at one institution (eg. take the entire physics series at Highline College to ensure that it transfers). Some schools do not accept part of a series upon transferring.
Take series courses back-to-back. Try not to take a quarter off in between series classes so that the material taught in the previous class in the series is more fresh in your mind and easier to remember while you are taking the next class in the series.
Not all classes are offered every quarter so it is really important to meet with an advisor to develop an academic plan.

Associate in Science in Physics Requirements

The Associate in Science (AS) in Physics degree is one of many Associate of Science (AS-T Track II) offered at Highline. Associate of Science classes are designed to meet requirements for your bachelor's degree and for most institutions in Washington should give you junior-level standing when you transfer.

Included in the Physics and Engineering degree requirements are:

General Requirements
Specific Requirements
- Communication Requirements
- Humanities and Social Science
- Quantitative Skills
- Pre-Major Program
Remaining Credits
Distribution Requirements
Learning Outcomes

Note about Prerequisites

Prerequisite courses to the above classes (e.g. CHEM& 121, CHEM& 139, CSCI 132, MATH& 142, PHYS 139) are not included in the requirements, yet they are necessary for taking classes required in the degree.

Program Maps

Notes about Program Maps

The following maps assume the student starts attending in the Fall Quarter.
It is generally advisable for students to complete as much math and prerequisite courses (e.g. MATH&141, MATH&142, PHYS 139, CSCI 132) as possible in their first year, to prepare them for the calculus Physics series (PHYS 201,202,203) during their second year.
The following maps assume no classes to be taken during Summer Quarter. If a student seeks to take classes during Summer Quarter, it is strongly recommended.