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Physical Sciences (Meta-Major)

People working with microscopes

An associate degree in Physical Science provides a broad foundation in the study of matter, energy, and the physical processes that shape our world. It fosters analytical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning skills, preparing students for diverse careers or further study in the physical sciences. This degree nurtures curiosity about the natural world and a deeper understanding of its fundamental principles, making it an ideal choice for students exploring options in chemistry, geology, or related fields but who are not yet ready to specialize in a specific area.

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Degrees/Certificates Other Degrees & Opportunities Career & Transfer Options More Info
Course Title Credits
General Education Courses 34-36 credits
Elective Credits 14-18 credits
Meta-major Requirements 8-10 credits
Choose 6 credits from this list:
CHEM 1210/5 Principles of Chemistry and Lab 5
GEO 1010/5 Survey of Geology and Lab 4
GEO 1110/5 Physical Geology and Lab 4
MATH 1210 Calculus I 5
Total 60 credits

While we recommend that Physical Science students earn the Associate of Science (AS), an AA is also available. The Associate of Arts has the same requirements as the AS but has foreign language requirement of a 1020-level language class. Please see your academic advisor for full details.

The associate degree in Physical Science transfers into a variety of bachelor’s degrees at universities, but students will be even more prepared for transfer by choosing a non-meta-major when they are ready. The Physical Science meta-major aligns with the following majors

  • Chemistry
  • Geology
Freshman (Semester 1)
Course Title Credits
Quantitative Literacy
ENGL 1010 Introduction to Writing 3
Fine Arts 3
Elective
Elective
Freshman (Semester 2)
Course Title Credits
GNST 1200 Foundations 3
Physical Science 3
ENGL 2010 Intermediate Writing 3
Elective
Elective
Sophomore (Semester 3)
Course Title Credits
Humanities
Life Science with a Lab 4
American Institutions
Foreign Language (1010 level)
Sophomore (Semester 4)
Course Title Credits
Integrated Explorations
Social Science
Foreign Language (1020 level)
Elective
Freshman (Semester 1)
Course Title Credits
Quantitative Literacy
ENGL 1010 Introduction to Writing 3
Fine Arts 3
Elective
Elective
Freshman (Semester 2)
Course Title Credits
GNST 1200 Foundations 3
Physical Science 3
ENGL 2010 Intermediate Writing 3
Elective
Elective
Sophomore (Semester 3)
Course Title Credits
Humanities
Life Science with a Lab 4
American Institutions
Foreign Language (1010 level)
Sophomore (Semester 4)
Course Title Credits
Integrated Explorations
Social Science
Elective
Elective

Discover ways you can transfer your credits to some of the following colleges:

For more information on transferring within public colleges and universities in Utah, see UtahTransferGuide.