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:
The differences between a BA and BS in physics
Both bachelor’s in physics programs provide a solid foundation in physical science and mathematics, however, they differ in several key ways. The BS is necessary for students planning to pursue a PhD, offering additional upper-division courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics, along with four advanced math courses. For those interested in math but not in research, the BS is still a strong option.
Differently, the BA in physics focuses on lower-division math courses that are less rigorous. BA students are required to complete intermediate-level language courses, whereas BS students take extra science and society courses instead. Importantly, you can start in the BA program and switch to the BS, or vice versa, if your goals or interests change.
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.
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.
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.
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.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
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.”