Physical Science Major
Contact Information
Ted Horton
731-424-3520 ext. 247
thorton@jscc.edu
Program and Career Description
The Associate of Science in Physical Science is designed for students wanting to complete the first two years of the bachelor’s degree in a community college setting. Students have the opportunity to work closely with qualified faculty and have ample access to science labs. Careers in the field of physical science typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher with top-paying careers usually requiring a Ph.D. A variety of career opportunities are available in physics, engineering, and chemistry in private industry, government agencies, and in universities.
| Career | Beginning Salary Range with a Bachelor’s Degree | Experienced Salary Range | Projected % Job Growth Through 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemists | $31,375 to $38,410 | $52,840 to $89,745 | 5% |
| Mechanical Engineers | $44,805 to $51,150 | $62,330 to $86,945 | 9% |
| Physicists | $43,900 to $53,000 | $70,100 to $114,300 | 6% |
Statistics are based on state averages from the Tennessee Career Information Delivery System. Salaries are not guaranteed.
Transfer Options
At Jackson State, we work hard to make sure that you graduate with your associate’s degree and arrive at a university prepared to start junior-level courses. That’s why we have special articulation agreements with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) schools that allow students completing the Associate of Science in Physical Science degree to transfer as juniors. TBR universities with physical science degrees include:
- Austin Peay State University
- East Tennessee State University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Tech University
- The University of Memphis
Other schools in West Tennessee with physical science degrees include the University of Tennessee at Martin, Lambuth University, , Lane College, Freed Hardeman University, and Union University. Students transferring to one of these universities may be required to take additional courses prior to becoming a junior.
Accreditation Information
Jackson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Requirements
(Students may require additional Basic and Developmental courses.)
Communication Requirement (All required)
ENGL 1010 English Composition I
ENGL 1020 English Composition II
SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech
Choose THREE Humanities Courses (One must be a literature Course)
ART 1010 Art History I
ART 1020 Art History II
ART 1030 Art Appreciation
COM 1030 Film Appreciation
ENGL 2111 American Lit: Pre-Colonial - 1865ENGL 2121 American Lit: 1865 - Present
ENGL 2210 British Lit: Beginnings - 1785
ENGL 2220 British Lit: 1785 - Present
ENGL 2310 World Lit: Beginnings - 1650
ENGL 2320 World Lit: 1650 - Present
HUM 1010 Introduction to the Humanities I
HUM 1020 Introduction to the Humanities II
MUS 1030 Music Appreciation
PHIL 1030 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2110 Introduction to Ethics
THEA 1030 Introduction to Theatre
Choose TWO Social and Behavioral Science Courses
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics and
ECO 212 Principles of Microeconomics are recommended.
GEO 201 Survey of World Regions
PHED 2050 Health and Wellness
POLS 1100 U.S. Government and Politics I
POLS 1200 U.S. Government and Politics II
PSY 101 General Psychology I
PSY 102 General Psychology II
SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 202 Social Problems
Choose TWO History Courses (American History is required for TBR Schools.)
HIST 1110 Survey of World Civilizations I
HIST 1120 Survey of World Civilizations II
HIST 2010 Survey of American History I
HIST 2020 Survey of American History II
Choose TWO Natural Science Courses
BIOL 1110 General Biology I
BIOL 1120 General Biology II
BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 2020 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I recommended
CHEM 1120 General Chemistry II recommended
PSCI 1010 Survey of Physical Science I
PSCI 1020 Survey of Physical Science II
Choose ONE Mathematics Course
MATH 1710 Precalculus Algebra
Major Required Courses
MATH 1720 Trigonometry and
MATH 1910 Calculus I or
MATH 1910 Calculus I and
MATH 1920 Calculus II
PHYS 2010 Non-Calculus Based Physics I and
PHYS 2020 Non-Calculus Based Physics II or
PHYS 2110 Calculus Based Physics I and
PHYS 2120 Calculus Based Physics II
Electives - 4 credit hours
The Associate of Science Physical Science Major requires 60 college level credits. Some courses have prerequisites and co-requisites. See JSCC Academic Catalog and Student Handbook for further information.
Sample Schedule
| First Year | Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1110 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENGL 1010 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 1710 | Precalculus Algebra | 3 |
| Humanities Course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 13 |
| First Year | Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1120 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENGL 1020 | English Composition II | 3 |
| MATH 1720 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| General Elective | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 14 |
| Second Year | Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECO 211 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ENGL | Literature Course | 3 |
| HIST | History Course | 3 |
| PHYS | Physics I | 4 |
| Humanities Course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
| Second Year | Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECO 212 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| HIST | History Course | 3 |
| MATH 1910 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHYS | Physics II | 4 |
| SPE 211 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| Total Credits | 17 |