Physics

Physics Designation

Curriculum
Colorado Guaranteed Transfer
Offered in the Classroom & 100% Online
Program of Study

About the Program

Studying physics provides a great foundation of scientific knowledge. Rocket scientists, engineers, and atomic researchers use physics to do their work. CCD physics courses are offered in both traditional format and online. Our coursework will prepare you for careers in engineering, teaching, medicine, radiology, and meteorology. Whatever your goal, the study of physics will enrich your understanding of the physical world.

Spacious labs, modern equipment, and an excellent collection of models are all ready and available for students. Hands-on learning, small classroom sizes, and a strong tutoring program make CCD the right choice.

Academic Support

Academic support is provided through CCD’s Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building

Available Online

CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 100 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.

Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.

Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu

Course & Program Fees

Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.

Course Fees

The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. The following courses have additional fees: 

Course Description Fee
PHY 105, PHY 111, PHY 112, PHY 211, PHY 212 High-cost course fee $7.21 (per credit hour)

Online Course Fees

A separate fee is used to absorb the cost of any lab kits needed for lab-based online courses. This fee eliminates the need for students to purchase lab kits separately.

Course Description Fee
PHY 105, PHY 111, PHY 112, PHY 211, PHY 212 High-cost course fee $7.21 (per credit hour)

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for federal financial aid.

Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.

In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships.

Stop by the financial aid office on the first floor of the Confluence Building for help with the federal financial aid application. Walk-in hours are offered every Wednesday from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Confluence Building, room 118.

Four-Year Transfer Agreements

This program is a guaranteed transfer (GT) program.

GT programs enable all college students to complete their first two years of college here at CCD and then transfer to any public college in Colorado as a junior. It is called the DWD program (Degrees with Designation). This program saves you money and time.

A Two-Year Degree from CCD Can Lead to a Four-Year Degree from ...

  • Colorado Mesa University
  • Colorado State University – Ft. Collins
  • Colorado State University – Pueblo
  • Fort Lewis College
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  • University of Colorado Denver
  • University of Northern Colorado

Internships & Service Learning Opportunities

Please speak with your program chair regarding internship opportunities.

Job Outlook & Salary Information

What Can I Do with My Major?

Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

Physicists are projected to have employment growth in scientific research and development services, educational services, and healthcare and social assistance. The fast growth will result in only about 2,600 new jobs over the 10-year period.

Astronomy is a small occupation, and the fast growth will result in only about 200 new jobs over the 10-year period.

Job prospects with a degree in physics are more than just limited to teaching and research. The sky’s the limit for any job that involves problem-solving:

  • Medicine
  • Fusion
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Teaching (high school physics)
  • Science Journalism
  • Energy Exploration
  • Patent Attorney
  • Consulting

Learn more about this career path by visiting CCD's Career and Transfer Center.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn?

The median annual wage for astronomers with a doctoral degree was $100,590 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $165,280.

The median annual wage for physicists with a doctoral degree was $118,830 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $190,540.

The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.