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Physics

Earn a Physics Associate Degree at Aims

Are you interested in studying the foundational principles of how everything in the universe works, from the tiniest atoms to the largest black holes? Physics is a basic science that underpins everything we do, including the study of matter, energy and motion. At Aims, you can begin your journey toward a range of exciting careers in science with a physics associate degree.

Physics operates according to established laws that explain how matter and energy work. The possibilities for further study include most engineering disciplines, astronomy, electricity, acoustics and quantum mechanics. 

Earning a physics associate degree at Aims is an affordable way to earn credit toward your first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. Thanks to a statewide agreement between community colleges and universities, when you earn an associate degree at Aims you can transfer as a junior to any participating four-year public university in Colorado and earn your bachelor’s degree in physics. Taking your required general education courses at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save substantial costs. 

The physics degree pathway at Aims is new, and your instructors, Pathway Advisors and Transfer Coach will work together to help you select the courses you’ll need to transfer. Physics faculty are currently working closely with UNC in Greeley to create a transfer program.

Are you interested in becoming an engineer, or do you want to delve into the origins of our universe or the mechanics of how the physical world operates? The physics associate degree at Aims might be a good option for you.

Gain Knowledge and Skills in Physics at Aims

In your calculus-based physics classes, you’ll gain skills and knowledge in an exciting array of subjects in physics that will help you hone your career path, including:

  • Kinematics
  • Dynamics
  • Newton’s laws
  • Energy and work
  • Electricity
  • Magnetism

In this two-year physics degree program, you’ll also become more proficient in the soft skills employers value such as:

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Collaboration
  • Teamwork
  • Discussion
  • Brainstorming

Careers in Physics

Because physics is a foundational science that intersects with many other scientific disciplines, there are many potential career paths available to choose from.

Examples of careers you can pursue with a physics degree include:

  • Educator
  • Physician
  • Physical therapist
  • Researcher
  • Software engineer
  • Data scientist
  • Engineer
  • Radiologist
  • Biophysicist
  • Astrobiologist
  • Geophysicist
  • Astrophysicist

Continue Your Physics Studies at a Colorado Four-Year Public University

Thanks to a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement in Colorado, after graduating from Aims with an Associate of Arts degree, you can go on to study at any participating public university statewide.
 
Below is a list of colleges and universities in Colorado that are a part of this statewide agreement and offer bachelor's degrees in physics.

Colorado Mesa University
(B.S. Physics)
 
Colorado State University - Fort Collins
(B.S. Physics, Physics and Applied Physics Concentrations)
 
Colorado State University - Pueblo
(B.S. Physics)
 
Fort Lewis College
(B.S. Physics)
 
Metropolitan State University of Denver
(B.A. Physics; B.S. Physics)
 
University of Colorado Boulder
(B.A. Physics)
 
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
(B.S. Physics)
 
University of Colorado Denver
(B.S. Physics, Pure and Applied Physics Option)
 
University of Northern Colorado
(B.S. Physics; Astronomy, Engineering, Mathematics emphases)

Here’s what your journey from Aims to a bachelor’s degree in physics will look like:

  1. An Aims Admissions Advisor can answer your questions about this degree transfer program and help you get started on the path to earning your degree.
  2. After becoming an Aims student, you’ll choose classes to earn your physics associate degree. Your Aims Pathway Advisor will help ensure you follow the pathway that best suits you and helps you reach your goals.
  3. Throughout your time at Aims, you'll also work with an Aims Transfer Coach to get help choosing the school you’d like to transfer to and researching what scholarships are available.
  4. You can also reach out to a transfer advisor at your chosen four-year school to make sure you're choosing classes that will support you when you go on to complete your bachelor's degree.
  5. Before graduating from Aims, your Transfer Coach will help you prepare for the transition to your new school as a junior.
Aims2UNC Program

The Aims2UNC Transition Program

Aims2UNC is a joint initiative streamlining the path for students to seamlessly transition between the two colleges. You’ll get support from dedicated Aims2UNC advisors who will guide you as you earn your associate and bachelor's degrees in physics.

Learn more

Leverage Your Associate Degree in Physics to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Related Subjects

Not everyone who gets an associate degree in physics follows a path directly to becoming a physicist. You may also choose to enter a field where physics skills are increasingly valuable to employers.

Examples of bachelor’s degrees you can also pursue with a physics associate degree include:

  • Computer science
  • Mathematics
  • Data Science
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Astronomy
  • Radiology

Physics Faculty and Staff

The physics faculty at Aims are a close-knit group who are as passionate about their areas of expertise as they are about helping students. Faculty have high expectations and will challenge you with rigorous coursework, but they will also welcome and support you to achieve your academic goals.