Physics ,Minor
Data Analysis, Particle, Science, astronomy, nuclear, quantum
Do you have a desire to better understand the world around you? In this program, you'll extend your studies in the nature, structure and interactions of matter and radiation while developing the fundamental scientific understanding and problem-solving skills you'll need to succeed in a variety of challenging career opportunities.
You learn the fundamental concepts of physics beyond the introductory level in the minor program in physics. Through rigorous hands-on experience, you deepen your understanding of foundational concepts and develop your quantitative skills.
Through upper-division electives, you can tailor the minor to enhance your career or graduate school outlook.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in physics requires a minimum of 27 total credit hours, of which 12 must be upper-division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements. |
||
|
PHY 121 University Physics I: Mechanics
(SCIT)
AND
PHY 122 University Physics Laboratory I
(SCIT)
or
PHY 150 Physics I
(SCIT)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
PHY 131 University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism
(SCIT)
AND
PHY 132 University Physics Laboratory II
(SCIT)
or
PHY 151 Physics II
(SCIT)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
PHY 201 Mathematical Methods in Physics I
(MATH)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
PHY 252 Physics III
(SCIT)
or
PHY 241 University Physics III
AND
PHY 202 Programming for Physicists
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
Students pursing Option 1 must complete PHY 333 or PHY 334, PHY 361, and six hours of PHY upper-division electives. Select two (six credit hours) PHY upper-division electives
Upper Division
PHY Elective
OR
Students pursing Option 2 must complete PHY 302 and an additional nine credit hours selected from PHY 310, PHY 311, PHY 314 and PHY 315.
Required:
Select three courses:
Students choose from two options. Consult an academic advisor in the Department of Physics to discuss these options further.
12 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 12 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in applied physics; BS in biophysics; BA and BS in physics
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
Minor programs enable students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.
Graduates with a minor in physics have additional analytical and problem-solving skills that benefit them as they pursue careers in technical fields.
Department of Physics
|
PSF 470
physics.undergrad@asu.edu
480-965-3561
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
