Physics, Minor
Do you have a desire to better understand the world around you? You'll extend your studies in the nature, structure and interactions of matter and radiation while developing fundamental scientific understanding and problem-solving skills for your career.
Quick facts
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Physics minor description
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.
Why earn a physics minor at ASU?
Physics provides the foundation for engineering, astronomy, chemistry, and biochemistry, and the program at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers flexibility that sets this minor apart. Rather than requiring a fixed set of courses, you choose between two upper-division pathways that align with your goals. The first option emphasizes laboratory work and applications with modern physics, electronics, measurements and elective flexibility. The second option takes a more mathematically rigorous approach, emphasizing advanced classical and quantum physics.
This structure lets you tailor the minor to match your professional aspirations or graduate school plans. Whether you're pursuing applied fields or preparing for advanced study, you'll build expertise at the level that serves you best.
Additional details
You can engage with the physics community at ASU through organizations such as the Society of Physics Students, Sundial and Women in Physics. These groups connect you with peers who share your interest in the physical sciences and provide opportunities to deepen your involvement beyond coursework.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 27 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| 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.
|
Enrollment requirements
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.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this physics minor prepares you for
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.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Department of Physics
|
PSF 470
physics.undergrad@asu.edu
480-965-3561
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
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.
