Online Bachelor of Science in Physics
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in physics online offers a rigorous science-oriented course of study over a broad range of physical phenomena. This program requires a strong foundation in mathematics and is well-suited for those aspiring to teach science at the secondary level, engage in research or pursue advanced studies leading to a PhD.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 43
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
The knowledge and skills you’ll develop
In this program, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of matter, energy and their interactions, which are foundational to most branches of science. ASU is the first university to offer an online bachelor’s in physics with advanced laboratory coursework, vital for honing your experimental skills.
Through upper-division laboratory courses, you’ll tackle the same challenges faced by in-person students. You’ll work with electronic kits at home and engage with simulated experiments online, mastering equipment alignment protocols and managing noisy data. Additionally, you’ll enhance your experimental analysis abilities, strengthen your mathematics proficiency and refine your problem-solving skills.
What you can do with an online physics degree
With an online physics degree, you’ll be well-prepared for graduate programs in physics. To enhance your competitiveness, you’ll need to seek additional extracurricular activities, such as internships, research or individualized instruction. Research opportunities for online students are available through our Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program.
Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online physics degree courses
Throughout this program, you’ll take a rigorous set of courses taught by our full-time physics faculty. These courses include advanced quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics, offering the same high-quality education as our on-campus classes. You’ll need a strong foundation in mathematics, starting with high school-level knowledge and progressing through to PHY 302, Math Methods in Physics II. This program will expose you to problems designed to develop your critical-thinking skills, helping you distinguish relevant from irrelevant information. To graduate, you’ll complete 20 core math and physics courses and 12 electives, equipping you with invaluable skills for various careers and life experiences.
The careers paths a physics degree prepares you for
Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to enroll in a graduate program or pursue a wide range of science-related careers including roles in engineering, data analysis and technology development. Earning a physics degree sets you apart from the competition and opens doors to sought-after fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicists as of 2023 make a median salary of $127,930 per year, significantly higher than the median salary for all workers. While physicists typically need a Ph.D. for research and academic jobs, entry-level positions in the federal government often require only a bachelor’s degree in physics. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Astronomer
Engineering Manager
Nuclear Engineer
Physicist
Physics Professor
Radiologist
Scientist/Biochemist
Technical Writer
Cutting-edge researchers and educators
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Cutting-edge researchers and educators
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$170 million
in research expenditures in 2022.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
100+
undergraduate degrees.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
