Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics - A.S. (TTP)


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For more information on this program, contact the Math and Science division at 615-230-3261 or at mathscience@volstate.edu.

The Associate of Science (Physics) is a two-year program for students planning to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physics or a closely related field such as Astronomy. Physics is the study of the underlying properties of nature from the absolutely mind-bogglingly huge, like galactic super clusters, to the unimaginably small, like the fundamental constituents of matter.  It is the foundation of every other science, and is responsible for some of the greatest discoveries and inventions of our time such as lasers, solar cells, and hybrid cars. A degree in physics teaches the analytical problem solving and technical skills necessary to be competitive in today’s market.

Transfer Options
The Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) degree is designed to create a smooth transition to all public universities offering a Baccalaureate degree in this major by guaranteeing the transferability of all courses. For transfer to other four-year institutions, contact an advisor at the senior institution.  Note:  There are to be no course substitutions in this program. 

All students graduating with a degree from VSCC are required to take the Educational Testing Service Proficiency Profile (ETSP) to meet graduation requirements. More information can be found at https://www.volstate.edu/testing.

General Education Requirements - Credits (42)


Area of Emphasis Requirements - Credits (18)


  • University Parallel Elective Credits: (1)

Total Degree Requirements - Credits (60)


Career and Salary Information


The following is a list of some of the career choices that may be obtained upon completion of this program. Please visit the following website http://www.onetonline.org or speak to an advisor for additional career opportunities, salary information and education requirements. Salaries are not guaranteed.

Career Beginning Salary with Bachelor Degree Experienced Salary with Bachelor Degree
Physicist $75,610 $132,290
Research/Development Specialist $37,140 $63,380
Professor $45,650 $66,100

Recommended Schedule


This is a recommended schedule. Learning Support, pre-requisites and other academic factors may impact this schedule.  See your advisor to create a degree plan.

DegreeWorks, along with the correct catalog, should be utilized by students for all of their educational planning.  Students can monitor their progress toward a degree or certificate and view missing requirements with the DegreeWorks audit, which is accessible through My Volstate.

First Year - Fall Semester - Credits (16)


  • History (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)

First Year - Spring Semester - Credits (15)


  • History (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • University Parallel Elective (Any non-asterisk course) Credits: (1)

Second Year - Fall Semester - Credits (14)


  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)

Second Year - Spring Semester - Credits (15)


  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts (Literature - See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (See General Education Requirements in Catalog) Credits: (3)

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