Physics
DEGREES, CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
DESCRIPTION
The Cuesta College Physics Program engages students in the study of how the physical world works and why materials and objects behave the way they do. Physics students will learn to deduce the underlying principles and laws of nature, and apply those principles and laws to make estimations and predictions.
The Cuesta College Physics Program offers two sequences of courses. Physics 205A and 205B are courses in a general, trigonometry-based physics series designed for students who intend to earn professional post-graduate health degrees at medical, pharmacy, or veterinary schools, in addition to students who enroll in architecture and construction technology undergraduate programs.
Physics 208A, 208B and 208C are rigorous courses that utilize differential and integral calculus to prepare students for physics, geophysics, science, and engineering undergraduate major programs. Students can earn an A.S. degree in Physics at Cuesta College, preparing them for transfer to four-year institutions or for employment in technical careers.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE and CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
An Associate Degree, depending on the focus of study, is designed to prepare students for transfer into upper division course work in a bachelor’s degree program, or, to prepare students to enter the workforce in a particular vocational field. To qualify for an Associate’s Degree, a student must:
(1) complete each major-specific course required for the degree with at least a “C” grade or better,
(2) complete all Cuesta College general education, graduation and residency requirements,
(3) achieve an overall grade point average of 2.0 for all courses attempted (major, general education, elective), and
(4) submit an Associate’s Degree Application to Admissions and Records.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
| Natural Sciences Managers | Physicists |
| Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians | Physics Teachers, Postsecondary |
| Nuclear Monitoring Technicians | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators |
| Degree/Certificate Types: | |
| A.A. - Associate in Arts | C.A. - Certificate of Achievement |
| A.S. - Associate in Science | C.S. - Certificate of Specialization |
| A.A.-T. - Associate in Arts for Transfer | C.C. - Certificate of Completion (Non Credit) |
| A.S.-T. - Associate in Science for Transfer | |
