Easiest Physics Degree Programs for 2025

Physics is the science of matter, what matter is made of, how matter moves, and how matter interacts with other matter and forces. It creates the foundation not only for many other sciences but for the universe itself.

Physics, even at the introductory level, can be complex, and physics degrees can often be difficult. However, some physics degrees, like associate degrees, are easier. Keep reading to learn more about the easiest physics degrees.

What Are the Easiest Physics Degrees?

Physics degrees are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. The easiest of these is an associate degree.

Associate degrees are undergraduate degrees. They usually require around 60 credits and take about two years to complete. There are a few reasons these are often the easiest degrees to get:

• They're offered by community and technical colleges, which typically have higher acceptance rates and lower tuition costs than four-year institutions.
• They primarily include introductory coursework and don't include many advanced courses.
• They take two years to complete instead of the minimum four years required by other degrees.

It's important to note that many associate degree programs in physics are designed for transfer into a bachelor's degree program in physics.

These programs are easier because they can be completed at two-year colleges, but students may find they cannot land a job in the field without completing a bachelor's degree.

Because these degrees are designed for transfer, they are usually made up of general education courses as well as foundational physics courses that cover topics like:

• energy
• equations of motion
• force
• fluids
• rotational kinematics and dynamics
• thermodynamics

Associate degrees in physics also typically require calculus courses and courses on differential equations.

Schools That Offer Associate Degrees in Physics

While associate degrees in physics are not as common as bachelor's degrees, there are still several schools across the U.S. that offer these programs, including:

• Antelope Valley College in Palmdale, California- Associate of Science transfer degree in physical science and physics
• Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, Massachusetts- Associate in Arts transfer degree in physics
• Coastline Community College in Fountain Valley, California- Associate of Science transfer degree in physics, available online
• Community College of Denver in Denver, Colorado- Associate of Science in physics, available online
• Copiah-Lincoln Community College with campuses throughout Mississippi- Associate of Science in physics
• CUNY Kingsborough Community College in New York City- Associate of Science transfer degree in physics
• Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho- Associate of Science in physics
• Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa- Associate of Science in physics
• Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan- Associate in Science transfer degree in physics
• Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas- Associate of Arts in physics, available primarily online

Associate degrees in physics are most commonly offered on campus but are sometimes offered online or in a hybrid format as well.

What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Physics?

Most roles in the field of physics require an advanced degree, which is why many associate programs are designed as transfer programs.

With an associate degree in physics, you can transfer into a bachelor's program and complete your final two years. Many community and technical colleges have transfer agreements with public universities.

Jobs for those with degrees in physics may be in fields like:

• astronomy
• energy
• fusion
• medicine
• nuclear

However, many roles in these fields require at least a bachelor's degree if not a graduate degree.

Other Physics Degrees

Other types of physics degrees include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. These degrees all require more years of study and more complex coursework than an associate degree.

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

Bachelor's degrees are also undergraduate degrees. They usually require about 120 semester credits and take about four years of full-time study to complete.

Bachelor's degrees in physics are usually Bachelor of Science degrees. They examine the theories around energy and matter and can provide excellent preparation for a career in STEM or for the pursuit of an advanced degree in many different fields.

Courses required for bachelor's degrees in physics include similar requirements to the associate degree as well as courses on topics like:

• electricity and magnetism
• quantum physics
• statistical and thermal physics
• theoretical physics

These programs often also include advanced calculus and differential equation courses as well as labs. Concentrations in areas like applied physics, astronomy, and teaching physics may also be available.

Most bachelor's degrees in physics are offered on campus, but a few colleges and universities offer these degrees online.

Master's Degrees in Physics

Master's degrees are the first type of graduate degree. They usually require between 30-40 credit hours and can take anywhere from one to three years to complete.

These programs are for those who want to further their physics knowledge as well as advance their careers or pursue a doctorate program.

Master's degrees in physics expand on the topics taught in the undergraduate programs. They usually involve core courses in quantum mechanics and electromagnetics, then let students choose electives to customize their program to their educational goals.

Doctorate Degrees in Physics

Doctorate degrees in physics are the highest type of degree you can earn in a field and the most difficult to obtain. They're another type of graduate degree, and students usually need at least a bachelor's, if not a master's to enter a program.

The most common type of doctorate degree in physics is a PhD. PhDs are research degrees and are for those wanting careers in advanced research or academia.

PhD programs are usually split into two parts. Students spend two to three years on coursework, which for physics degrees, usually includes courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetics, and statistical mechanics.

Then, students spend an additional two to four years taking additional courses and preparing, researching, composing, and defending their research dissertations in a particular area of physics. As a result, these programs can take three to six years to complete.

Find the Easiest Physics Degrees

The easiest physics degrees to earn are associate degrees, as they can be completed at two-year colleges and provide introductory coursework.

For more information on physics degrees or for help finding the right program, browse Learn.org's database of college and university information.