In Depth Look into a Bachelor Degree in Physics Earned Online

Physicists like to explore interactions of matter and basic principles of the laws that govern our universe (we’ll stay away from parallel universes, but it is an interesting field in theoretical physics). Physicists can also study theoretical areas such as the origin of our universe or the nature of time (Is time travel possible? According to Einstein the answer is yes, but complicated).

Physicists can also delve into experimentation or even invention of new devices. Some of the new devices a physicist can improve upon or invent are medical equipment, advanced materials, and also optical and electrical devices.

The exciting thing about physics, like most hard sciences, is whenever a question is answered usually many more questions will arise from the answer to explore. So if you enjoy what you’ve read thus far, this will be a field you will enjoy.

As an online student preparing for fire protection or engineering jobs, you will be taking a variety of classes.

Some of these classes are:

• Modern Physics
• Physics I - Mechanics
• Physics II - Heat, Light and Sound; Optics
• Physics III - Electricity and Magnetism
• Chemistry
• Precalculus and Calculus
• Natural Science
• Classroom Management
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Human Development and Learning
• Schools and Society

These courses will delve into history of physics, chemistry, mechanics of physics and laws, thermodynamics, explanations of photons, and how to manage a classroom while teaching.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of physics in general is expected to grow by 7 percent through the year 2016. This is an average growth and projected mostly based on workers retiring. The growth of teaching at the middle and high school level which your bachelor of arts will qualify you for is expected to grow by 12 percent through the year 2016.

There are a couple different career paths you can take with a bachelor degree in physics such as teaching and other ranges of positions including engineering, mathematics, computer science, and environmental science. So if you are planning on getting into another field using your degree in physics you will most likely reach the lower end of the scale, which is in the range of less than $44,590 without earning a masters or a doctoral degree. If you are planning on teaching in the high school or middle school level, the median average salary ranges from $43,580-$48,690. When you look at these numbers take into account these statistics are including teachers who make close to $70,000 at the high end and extend all the way to the low end of teachers making around $30,000.

Yes, and no, you can take all of your courses online at the college listed below with one exception. In your last class you will work with the career services department to do an intern/externship and you will teach a class between lasting 12-20 weeks. Most students looking for online classes are doing so for time constraints and flexibility of schedule. For example, the class "Physics II -Heat, Light and Sound; Optics” at a "brick and mortar" college may only be offered at 2pm on M-W-F. How can you participate in this course if you are working full time? Compare this to an online course, where a professor gives you an assignment to complete via email and the class is held as a 24/7 discussion board! With online universities you are offered much more flexibility with your time, which may help you to save money, especially if you are working while attending school.

Good luck with your new career in physics!

Western Governor’s University - Does not price tuition based on cost of credit hours. They charge a fee for every 6 months of school, which is $2,890 not including any tech, admissions, or library fees.

There are also many other factors to consider while comparing costs of an online college to a "brick and mortar" college. Weigh your options carefully!