What are the hard and soft skills students learn when pursuing an associate in physics degree?–

Graduates become competitive for entry-level jobs and bachelor’s programs because of their excellent combination of skills. In terms of hard skills, graduates possess: Mathematical proficiency. Knowledge of the scientific method. Fundamental knowledge and skills of physics. Laboratory skills in the conduct of experiments and analysis of data. Foundational knowledge of statistics methods and computer programming. Students and graduates also develop soft skills, including: Critical thinking. Logical reasoning. Communication. Teamwork. Adaptability. Attention to detail. Time management. Problem-solving and problem persistence. Ethical conduct. Of course, skills development should be a lifelong pursuit, but earning an associate’s degree in physics is an excellent step.

How can you select the best physics degree online?–

Be sure to choose an associate degree only from physics degree online programs that are offered by regionally accredited community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities. Then, consider the factors that contribute to the overall quality of associate’s degree in physics programs including: Curriculum, which must consist of general education and physics-related courses and which must have transferable credits. Faculty members must possess the academic credentials and teaching experience at the college level. User-friendly, intuitive, and accessible online learning platforms that support student learning. Student support services including academic advising, technical support, and access to library services. Student reviews and testimonials, graduate outcomes and success rates, and alumni network.

Best Online Associate’s in Physics

By Dr. Jed Macosko and Dr. James Barham

Published: Jul 7, 2021
Updated: Feb 8, 2024

Key Takeaways

An associate in physics degree online is a solid stepping stone into entry-level positions in a number of industries.
Many people who have earned physics degrees at the associate level continue on to online degree programs at the bachelor’s level.
Online degree programs, like the online physics degree in our ranking, are a perfect cost-effective way to earn a degree.

Liberty University
Community College of Denver
Monroe Community College
Seminole State College of Florida
Trinity Valley Community College
Coastline Community College
College of Southern Idaho
Nashville State Community College
Arizona Western College
Lake Land College

Liberty University 99%

Coastline Community College 30 to 1
Rio Salado College 28 to 1
Seminole State College of Florida 26 to 1
Red Rocks Community College 22 to 1
College of Southern Idaho 22 to 1
Community College of Denver 20 to 1
Arizona Western College 20 to 1
Nashville State Community College 20 to 1
Lake Land College 19 to 1
Liberty University 18 to 1

Liberty University $22,511
Kishwaukee College $8,820
Lake Land College $7,139
Monroe Community College $4,756
College of Southern Idaho $4,560
Nashville State Community College $4,104
Community College of Denver $3,754
Red Rocks Community College $3,744
Arizona Western College $2,760
Seminole State College of Florida $2,393

Red Rocks Community College $10,278
Liberty University $7,893

Mount Wachusett Community College
Lake Land College
Nashville State Community College
Monroe Community College
Seminole State College of Florida
Red Rocks Community College
Liberty University
Kishwaukee College
Trinity Valley Community College
Rio Salado College

Red Rocks Community College
Kishwaukee College
Paradise Valley Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College
Rio Salado College
Lake Land College
Arizona Western College
Nashville State Community College
College of Southern Idaho
Coastline Community College

Liberty University 99%

Paradise Valley Community College 11 to 1
Mount Wachusett Community College 12 to 1
Trinity Valley Community College 16 to 1
Monroe Community College 17 to 1
Kishwaukee College 17 to 1
Liberty University 18 to 1
Lake Land College 19 to 1
Community College of Denver 20 to 1
Arizona Western College 20 to 1
Nashville State Community College 20 to 1

Mount Wachusett Community College $600
Coastline Community College $1,104
Trinity Valley Community College $1,170
Rio Salado College $2,040
Paradise Valley Community College $2,040
Seminole State College of Florida $2,393
Arizona Western College $2,760
Red Rocks Community College $3,744
Community College of Denver $3,754
Nashville State Community College $4,104

Liberty University $7,893
Red Rocks Community College $10,278

Table of Contents

Find top-ranked online associate in physics degree programs for students wanting to seek employment in fields like manufacturing, research assistance, and product testing or they can apply this degree to an online bachelor program in physics.

The best online physics programs are two-year associate degrees that enable students to acquire a strong foundation in the principles of physics and its related scientific concepts. Community colleges typically offer these associate degrees but they are also increasingly being offered in four-year colleges and universities.

Many online physics degree programs allow graduates to transfer earned credits to a four-year bachelor’s degree in physics or related fields, too!

Here, find top-ranked online associates in physics degree programs for students seeking employment in fields like manufacturing, research assistance, and product testing. Students may also choose to apply this degree to an undergraduate four-year program.

online student participating in a synchronous online class

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Physics Degrees

An associate’s degree in physics can be an affordable way to get started on the path toward a career in the physical sciences. Though most careers in this field require a minimum of a bachelor’s, you’ll build foundational knowledge, and earn transferable credits in an associate’s degree program.

Here’s a more in-depth look at the benefits of earning an associate in physics degree from online programs.

Convenience and flexibility are the hallmarks of online physics degrees and are the most cited reasons for their popularity among traditional and non-traditional students (e.g., working professionals and adult learners). Students can attend classes, access learning materials, resources, and assignments, and participate in collaborative group projects, all from any location.

Many online physics degrees allow students to complete their coursework at their own pace through asynchronous courses.

Cost-effective education is also among the oft-cited reasons for the popularity of online physics programs associate’s degrees. Since community colleges have significantly lower tuition and fees than four-year institutions, students can save money on their cost of education. An online education also translates into reduced expenses on traveling and other incidentals.
Accessibility is yet another distinguishing feature of online physics degrees. Many barriers to higher education, such as geography, cost and credentials, are removed! Prospective students only need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply for most online programs.
Personalized learning is possible, too, thanks to the flexibility of online learning platforms and their academic advising services. For example, students can revisit recorded lectures, learning materials, and other course content for better comprehension.
While pursuing an associate’s degree in physics, students develop many new skills, such as improving digital literacy and time management skills, and acquiring new technical skills that can contribute to career advancement. If you are seeking career advancement in a STEM environment, online physics degree programs can be an excellent choice, especially if you want to avoid sacrificing personal and professional commitments.
The ease of transferring credits from an associate’s degree into an online bachelor’s in physics is another benefit. Graduates can either immediately begin pursuing a bachelor’s degree, start a career—or both!

If you have a high school diploma, there are also many programs that allow previous dual credit transfers into their programs, which can shorten the time to graduation.

Online physics programs span the discipline with classes on fluid dynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, optics, and relativity.

While the curriculum in online physics degrees at the associate level differ, there are also similarities between most programs. Students must be prepared for the more advanced knowledge and skills in the natural sciences and math that college-level courses demand.

Here are some of the most common science and math courses that students in online physics degree programs will likely encounter:

Introduction to Physics
College Algebra
General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
Differential and Integral Calculus
Modern Physics
Computational Physics
Mathematical Methods for Physics

Be sure to check the prerequisites for these courses, too, since you may already have earned credits for them in a previous associate’s degree or AP credits, among other college-level credits. This may shorten your time-to-completion for these online physics degrees.

online college student watching an online lecture

Graduates become competitive for entry-level jobs and bachelor’s programs because of their excellent combination of skills. In terms of hard skills, graduates possess:

Mathematical proficiency
Knowledge of the scientific method
Fundamental knowledge and skills of physics
Laboratory skills in the conduct of experiments and analysis of data
Foundational knowledge of statistics methods and computer programming

Students and graduates also develop soft skills, including:

Critical thinking
Logical reasoning
Communication
Teamwork
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Time management
Problem-solving and problem persistence
Ethical conduct

Of course, skills development should be a lifelong pursuit, but earning an associate’s degree in physics is an excellent step.

It takes about two years to complete the roughly 60-credit degree, and many online and on-campus programs maintain agreements with four-year universities and colleges allowing for the hassle-free transfer of credits and prerequisites. When considering online physics degree programs, ask about part-time and full-time options if you’re concerned about juggling your personal and professional commitments and meeting cost requirements.

physics lecturer standing in front of a chalkboard

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that physicists and astronomers must possess a doctoral or professional degree and earn $147,450 in median annual wages (May 2021). But don’t get intimidated by the advanced degrees required, either! Graduates with online physics degrees at the associate level can pursue careers in a wide range of industries, and enjoy career advancement opportunities through work experience, professional training, and more advanced degrees like a bachelor’s.

Here are several examples of well-paying occupations that you can pursue with a physics background.

Engineering technicians and technologists
Laboratory technicians
Electronics technicians
Quality control technicians
Technical support specialists
Computer support specialists
Data analysts
Manufacturing technicians
Technical sales support representatives

The best online physics degrees also provide students and graduates with career support services and networking opportunities that propel their career forward.

Be sure to choose an associate degree only from physics degree online programs that are offered by regionally accredited community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities. Then, consider the factors that contribute to the overall quality of associate’s degree in physics programs including:

Curriculum, which must consist of general education and physics-related courses and which must have transferable credits.
Faculty members must possess the academic credentials and teaching experience at the college level.
User-friendly, intuitive, and accessible online learning platforms that support student learning.
Student support services including academic advising, technical support, and access to library services.
Student reviews and testimonials, graduate outcomes and success rates, and alumni network.

Online physics degrees that are accredited are eligible for federal and state financial aid, and it starts with filing a FAFSA regardless of your current financial circumstances. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and fees for 2-year institutions are $15,333 (2019-2020). Indeed, every type of financial aid will be welcome considering the cost of earning an associate’s degree.

Learn more about how to major in physics.

How do we determine the best online physics associate's degree programs?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

physics student working a problem on a chalkboard

Best Online Associate’s Degrees in Physics Programs

Career Outlook for Students with Physics Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Physics

Degree Level: Associate's

Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $1,516
Avg. Expenses*: $13,276
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $57,486
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
Job Growth: 1.41%
Number of Jobs: 1,195,900
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Physicists	4.74%	$144,964
Natural Sciences Managers	4.87%	$122,066
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	3.70%	$90,850
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	1.03%	$61,619

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$66,591	$113,348	$167,330

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#2 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$133,162
#3 Missouri	16% higher than average	$120,559
#4 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$133,969
#5 New York	5% higher than average	$145,155
#6 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$129,025
#7 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$120,957
#8 Arizona	5% higher than average	$124,778
#9 Idaho	7% higher than average	$120,760
#10 Georgia	13% higher than average	$111,892
#11 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$109,192
#12 Ohio	14% higher than average	$108,390
#13 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$119,829
#14 Michigan	15% higher than average	$105,992
#15 California	26% higher than average	$154,223
#16 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$113,889
#17 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$138,045
#18 Oregon	11% higher than average	$134,555
#19 Texas	10% higher than average	$108,493
#20 Illinois	7% higher than average	$111,018
#21 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$140,535
#22 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$147,121
#23 Iowa	9% higher than average	$107,741
#24 Kansas	9% higher than average	$106,851
#25 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$131,400
#26 Virginia	5% higher than average	$109,544
#27 North Dakota	average	$114,730
#28 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$135,246
#29 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$92,624
#30 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$102,542
#31 Colorado	3% higher than average	$114,200
#32 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$94,378
#33 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$92,662
#34 Washington	7% higher than average	$116,888
#35 Alabama	13% higher than average	$93,632
#36 Maryland	18% higher than average	$126,345
#37 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$89,486
#38 Montana	3% higher than average	$98,902
#39 Utah	4% higher than average	$98,200
#40 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$93,944
#41 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$88,321
#42 Indiana	11% higher than average	$88,085
#43 Maine	9% higher than average	$107,149
#44 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$88,664
#45 Nevada	5% higher than average	$99,319
#46 Florida	6% higher than average	$89,210
#47 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$92,091
#48 Alaska	23% higher than average	$109,052
#49 Vermont	13% higher than average	$95,558
#50 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$124,026
#51 Delaware	2% higher than average	$79,991
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$101,402

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Physicists	$144,964
Natural Sciences Managers	$122,066
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	$90,850
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$61,619

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Not sure if an online associate’s degree in physics is for you? Check out our rankings of the best online associate’s degrees in political science, computer science, or fire science.

Student Submitted Questions on Online Associate’s Degrees in Physics

Seth asks, “Can you explain exactly what concepts I will learn about in an online associate’s in physics?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: An associate’s degrees in physics is designed to give students a basic understanding of physics and the STEM fields. Each institution’s curriculum will vary but students can expect to learn about classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, waves and optics, mathematical methods, laboratory skills, and scientific computing.

Roger asks, “Can students collaborate with faculty on research projects in an online associate’s degree?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Collaborating with faculty members on research projects is much more common on the bachelor’s and graduate degree levels, but there might still be some opportunities. My suggestion is to talk with your program and see what’s available. If your school places an emphasis on research and practical experience, there might be more options. If your school does have these opportunities available, they might come in the form of virtual research projects, capstone programs, research programs, or research seminars and workshops.

Molly Kate asks, “How do employers view an online associate’s degree in physics? Do I just need to get a bachelor’s degree instead?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The perception of an associate’s degree versus a bachelor’s degree will vary by employer and industry. It’s true that there might be certain jobs you could only get with a bachelor’s degree, but there are many jobs that won’t require anything past an associate’s degree. I would decide what your end goal or desired career is and then see what degree is needed for it. If a bachelor’s degree is required, I would go ahead and start working towards one. However, there are many employers who will view the skills and experience you would receive in an associate’s degree as sufficient.

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online Associate’s in Physics

Key Takeaways

Best Online Associate in Physics Degrees

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Physics Degrees

Best Online Associate’s Degrees in Physics Programs

Community College of Denver

Online Degrees

College of Southern Idaho

Online Degrees

Arizona Western College

Online Degrees

Coastline Community College

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Paradise Valley Community College

Online Degrees

Rio Salado College

Online Degrees

Trinity Valley Community College

Online Degrees

Kishwaukee College

Online Degrees

Liberty University

Red Rocks Community College

Seminole State College of Florida

Monroe Community College

Nashville State Community College

Lake Land College

Mount Wachusett Community College

Career Outlook for Students with Physics Degree

Physics

Degree Level: Associate's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Student Submitted Questions on Online Associate’s Degrees in Physics

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Best Online Associate’s in Physics

Key Takeaways

Best Online Associate in Physics Degrees

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Physics Degrees

Why get an associate in physics?

What kinds of classes will I be taking?

What are the hard and soft skills students learn when pursuing an associate in physics degree?

How long does it take to get an associate in physics?

What can you do with an associate in physics?

How can you select the best physics degree online?

How can you pay for your online education in an associate in physics degree program?

Best Online Associate’s Degrees in Physics Programs

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with Physics Degree

Physics

Degree Level: Associate's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Student Submitted Questions on Online Associate’s Degrees in Physics

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier than campus-based college?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

Resources for Online College-Bound Students