7 Best Online Physics Degrees For 2025

Physics isn't necessarily one of the best online degrees, as it typically requires much lab work. However, there are still top online bachelor's in physics available, and some master's as well.

Students can consider affordable online physics degrees, if they're struggling to make a traditional college degree program work with their schedule and budget. Keep reading to discover the best online physics degrees.

Best Online Physics Degree Programs

A handful of colleges offer online physics degrees. We've highlighted the top options below.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers various online programs, including a bachelor's in physics that includes courses on:

• electromagnetism
• mathematics and statistics
• quantum mechanics
• thermodynamics

The physics major is offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA). The BS is recommended for those who want to pursue doctoral study.

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

At the Georgia Institute of Technology, students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in medical physics online. This program explores the application of physical principles to medicine, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.

Georgia Tech is a public research institution based in Atlanta. It offers this degree through its George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

3. Indiana Wesleyan University

An online MS in physics in education is available at Indiana Wesleyan University. The private Christian school is located in Marion, IN.

This master's program is for practicing secondary school teachers who want to teach physics in advanced placement, dual enrollment, or early college courses. It takes about two years to complete and covers the key fundamentals of physics, as well as physics education.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online BS in physics. This program includes online courses on modern physics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics, as well as labs that students can conduct from home.

Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, VA, is a private conservative evangelical school. It requires physics students to conclude their program with a capstone project that showcases what they've learned.

5. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public research institution in Corvallis, OR. It offers an online master's degree in radiation health physics.

This unique curriculum was developed by world-renowned faculty who are actively engaged on the front lines of radiation detection. It prepares students for careers dealing with nuclear energy, ionizing radiation, and radioactive materials.

6. Thomas Edison State University

Students at Thomas Edison State University can earn a BS in radiation protection and health physics online. This program includes specialized coursework in the fundamentals of radiation protection and health physics, personnel dosimetry, shielding and activation, measurement, instrumentation, biological effects of radiation, and related prerequisite elements.

This public university is located in Trenton, NJ. It has developed this physics program to prepare students with the critical skills to protect people and their environments from potential radiation hazards.

7. University of Southern Mississippi

An online MS in physics is available through the University of Southern Mississippi. USM is a public research institution based in Hattiesburg, MS.

This online degree program covers electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, statistics, research methods, and more. Some courses are offered in a live, synchronous format.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school above holds regional accreditation.
• Type: We only included public and private non-profit schools in our search.
• Reputation: All schools above are known for having high-quality online programs.

Benefits of Pursuing Physics Degree Programs Online

An online degree in physics can prepare you for a range of career opportunities in the physical sciences. Many also prepare students for advanced graduate-level study.

Most online programs are taught via asynchronous courses, meaning that while you have due dates, you complete the work on your own time. Even synchronous courses, which require meeting online at a specific time, are far more flexible than having to travel to learn on campus.

What To Expect from an Online Physics Program

Online physics programs cover the fundamentals and advanced principles of physics. Common topics for physics courses include:

• classical mechanics
• differential equations
• electromagnetism
• magnetic fields
• mathematical methods
• photonics
• quantum mechanics
• relativity
• thermodynamics

Programs may require you to complete labs at home. They may also provide internship or research opportunities to prepare students for careers in physics.

Bachelor's degrees usually require 120 credit hours, which takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Some schools offer accelerated online physics degrees, and if you have college experience already, you can use transfer credits to reduce the amount of time left in your program.

Physics Program Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate physics programs usually don't have much for admissions requirements. To start, you'll need acceptance into the college or university, which means you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some schools require you to complete your general education requirements before moving on to your physics courses. Because physics requires a strong foundation in math, you may be required to complete certain math prerequisites.

Graduate programs have stricter admissions requirements. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, usually with a minimum GPA. You may also need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, and/or a personal essay.

Career Paths for Aspiring Physicists

Multiple career opportunities are available to physics graduates, including:

• astronomer
• materials engineer
• meteorologist
• nuclear engineer
• physics teacher or professor
• physicist
• radiation safety officer
• research analyst
• systems engineer

Physics is an incredibly broad field. You can use your physics degree to lay a foundation for a range of related careers or pursue more specific areas of physics (e.g., astrophysics or materials science) in graduate school.

Scholarships for Online Physics Majors

Several scholarship opportunities are available each year to physics students. Note that some may require you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); all programs listed above come from online colleges that accept FAFSA.

American Nuclear Society Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,000 and up

Application Deadline: Varies

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) offers various scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in a nuclear-related field. Some scholarships have additional specific requirements.

LeRoy Apker Award

Award Amount: $5,000

Application Deadline: June 2, 2025

The LeRoy Apker Award is offered through the American Physical Society. It recognizes outstanding achievements in physics by undergraduate students. Students must be nominated by their school's physics department.

National Society of Black Physicists

Award Amount: Varies

Application Deadline: Varies

The National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) offers several scholarship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students who are NSBP members. Eligibility requirements vary between scholarships.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree Today

Start your journey toward a rewarding career in physics by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual institutions to request info on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.