observatory

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

63.4% of Perimeter College students receive financial assistance.

How long will it take?

The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours — 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.

Where will I take classes?
Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton

Application Timeline

Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1
Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1
Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1

Physics Pathway, A.S.

What Is Physics?

Physics is the exploration, identification and study of basic principles and laws governing motion, energy, structure and the intersection of matter. These include the unseen forces of gravity, electric and magnetic forces. Physics examines these laws and their influences on society and the world.

Why study Physics?

Physics helps you understand the world around you. Georgia State Perimeter College physics classes teach you how the laws of physics answer practical questions:

  • What causes you to lose control of your car on a wet road?
  • How does air pressure affect the bounce of a basketball?
  • How do microwaves cook food?
  • Why are the peanuts always near the bottom of the Cracker Jack box?

Physicists use testing and research to develop technology and improvements for society, including alternate energy options, medical equipment such as the MRI and high-resolution telescopes such as the Hubble.

At Perimeter College, you can take Physics courses on all five campuses. All Physics lecture courses (not laboratory courses) required for the Physics Pathway also are offered online.

A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor’s degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.

Pathway Highlights

alexandra_brosius“I didn’t think it was possible to have a career in science, but the faculty and staff at Perimeter College helped me find my dream career and the path to make it come true. Thanks, Perimeter. I couldn’t have gotten here without you!”

Alexandra Brosius
Perimeter College Alumnas
Doctoral Student and Research Assistant
Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science
Pennsylvania State University

Pathway Details

The Physics pathway requires 42 hours of Core Curriculum and 18 hours of courses appropriate to the pathway. For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees. Successful completion of a pathway at Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia State University.

Description

Careers

Perimeter College’s guided pathway in Physics builds a strong science foundation and prepares students for further study and transitioning to a bachelor’s program. A bachelor’s degree in physics opens the door to job opportunities in education, engineering and other areas. A doctorate is generally required to become a career physicist. Career roles in physics include:

  • Astrophysicist
  • Atomic and molecular physicist
  • Biophysicist
  • Condensed matter physicist
  • Engineer
  • Geophysicist
  • Medical physicist
  • Nuclear physicist
  • Optical physicist
  • Physical science technician
  • Plasma physicists
  • Radio astronomer

For potential job and salary information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contacts

Admissions
For help with applying or admissions, please review our website, visit a campus office, or contact us at 404-413-2500.

Alpharetta Campus

Dr. Solomon Fesseha
Department Chair of Physical Sciences
Alpharetta Campus
[email protected]
678-212-7523

Contessa Paige
Administrative Secretary
Alpharetta Campus
[email protected]
678-240-6037

Clarkston Campus

Dr. Michael Nelson
Associate Chair
Clarkston Campus
[email protected]
678-891-3782

Shamin Shah
Administrative Secretary
Clarkston Campus
[email protected]
678-891-3789

Decatur Campus

Dr. Jo Ann Joyner
Associate Chair
Decatur Campus
678-891-2600
[email protected]

Dunwoody Campus

Dr. Glenn Nomura
Associate Chair
Dunwoody Campus
[email protected]
770-274-5062

Ms. Connie Fickenscher
Administrative Secretary
Dunwoody Campus
[email protected]
770-274-5071

Newton Campus

Dr. Michael Sakuta
Associate Chair
Newton Campus
[email protected]
770-278-1268

Jill Heft
Administrative Secretary
Newton Campus
[email protected]
770-278-1263

Online

Science (LES and PS) Department
[email protected]

Administrative Assistant
Michelle Jordan
[email protected]
678-212-7577

Online Science Associate Department Chair
Dr. Deniz Ballero
[email protected]
678-212-7567

Perimeter College Logo140 Decatur Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.