Physics

Physicists are highly capable, solid-thinking, leadership-quality people. From art restoration to rubber, you’ll find physicists in many areas of industry research. They work in scientific research labs, such as NASA and CERN (the European organization for nuclear research), but you’ll also find them in academia and government, patent law, medical facilities, technical writing and an amazing variety of other areas.

You can begin working on your AS degree your first semester. We strongly suggest that you complete any developmental coursework within the first two semesters of starting college.

Yes. Our program is specifically designed with transfer students in mind.  

Most of our courses transfer seamlessly through the Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36) guarantee and/or Transfer Assurance Guide (TAG), ensuring your credits will be accepted at four-year institutions throughout Ohio.  

We offer a comprehensive range of second-year STEM courses that are well aligned with university requirements, including calculus-based or algebra-based physics, calculus, differential equations, astronomy and forensic chemistry. This means you can complete upper-level coursework here and transition smoothly into your junior year at a four-year institution, saving both time and money.

Learn about transfer options

Absolutely. Due to the easy transferability of our courses and our high academic standards, we’ve established a great relationship with the pharmacy program at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. We are currently working on agreements to establish a pathway for students to a Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education partner school for pre-medicine. 

We offer scheduling flexibility to accommodate our students.  

Many courses are offered in a hybrid format, which typically combines in-person laboratory sessions with online lectures, giving you hands-on experience while maintaining schedule flexibility. Additionally, you can complete some coursework in the evening or during summer sessions if necessary. We offer fully online courses, including some lab courses. Almost all of our courses can be taken in person.  

Some courses for our STEM majors, particularly advanced physics courses, are only offered in person to ensure the highest quality, hands-on learning experience. Laboratory and lecture components are integrated into one connected course and are not offered separately, which helps ensure a cohesive learning experience.

We offer multiple course format options to fit your schedule and learning preferences. Courses are available in 16-week traditional semester formats, 8-week accelerated formats (offered in the first 8-week, second 8-week and summer terms), and 5-week intensive formats in the summer only. This variety allows you to customize your pace and complete your degree on a timeline that works for you.

Stark State’s Science Learning Centers (SLC) have peer and bachelor’s level tutors ready to help students in most of our science courses. Free tutoring is offered in person and online. We also have other learning centers for math and writing. 

We have a caring Disability Support Services (DSS) office, ready to help you with any accommodation you may need – from extra time on an exam to a broken leg. 

Our faculty are always eager to help during scheduled office hours – both in person and online as well. Your advisor is an instructor in your field, which means they’re knowledgeable about your program.

Yes. Our program offers exceptional flexibility. You can pursue multiple associate degrees simultaneously by declaring your preferred major first, followed by secondary majors. Popular combinations include physics with pre-engineering and physics with mathematics. The AS general degree also can be paired with this major. 

This approach allows you to build a robust foundation across multiple STEM disciplines while maximizing your educational investment and career opportunities. 

Our science laboratories provide an outstanding learning environment with small class sizes, excellent facilities and exceptional instrumentation for a two-year college.  

You gain hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment and resources including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), telescopes with imaging instrumentation, numerous digital sensors, advanced microscopy equipment and polarimeters.  

Our laboratory instruction and facilities ensure that you develop practical skills that are directly applicable to workplace settings and advanced academic programs.

No. Unlike other institutions, we don’t charge additional laboratory fees or extra costs for our science courses. Your tuition covers all laboratory materials, equipment usage and course resources, making our science programs not only academically excellent but also financially transparent and affordable. 

We offer multiple pathways for undergraduate research experience.  

You can participate through our Honors Program, enroll in independent research courses (SCI) or pursue internship opportunities with external organizations.  

Research experience is invaluable if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution or enter competitive career fields. Our faculty are eager to mentor motivated students in meaningful projects.