With an AAS in Physical Science, career options include laboratory assistant, research assistant, chemical technician, geological technician and environmental technician. You can work in pharmaceutical or medical laboratories, or work “in the field” conducting various geoscience or environmental surveys. You can work as a field chemist for companies that certify compliance to environmental regulations. You may land an internship in a chemical, environmental science or engineering company; or apply for Division of Natural Resources (DNR) jobs, U.S. Geological Survey USGS, or other government, or private company jobs.
Your career choices increase with earning a bachelor’s degree, but the AAS degree opens doors for you in science-related jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of an environmental science technician with an associate’s degree is $47,000, a geological technician with an associate’s degree earns $51,000 per year, and a chemical technician with an associate’s degree earns an average of $49,000 annually.
Associate of Applied Science in Physical Science
Why study physical science at WSU?
As a Physical Science AAS major, you will explore the exciting world of science!
You can choose from 3 emphases:
- Chemistry (study of matter and the chemical reactions between substances)
- Geoscience (study of Earth)
- Physics (study of the structure of matter and how the fundamental constituents of the universe interact)
Since all three emphases share the same beginning courses, you don’t need to decide right away. You can jump right in and get started. Your AAS degree will prepare you for a bachelor’s degree in any of the physical sciences and cover most of your general education requirements. As a physical science major, you will learn the basics of college-level chemistry and organic chemistry. You will master mathematics to the level of Calculus I. You will also learn to conduct scientific research, understand physics to a level appropriate for any professional field, and about the earth and environment. You will conduct hands-on experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories, and be fully prepared to continue your education to the bachelor’s degree level and beyond.
If you like to figure out how things work, enjoy solving problems, and want to learn more about what things are made of (chemistry) and why they behave the way they do (math, geoscience, and physics), this is a good major for you.
Why choose an AAS in Physical Science instead of an AS in General Science?
An AAS in Physical Science better prepares you as a science student. You get right to work on the courses you need to become a “real scientist.” Successful science students prioritize their science courses rather than “getting their generals out of the way.” An AAS program is the perfect way to do that. You will be a prepared and capable science student, ready to take on real-world problems and find solutions. You will be ready to make a difference in your community.
If you already have a Gen. Ed. AS degree, you may still earn a Physical Science AAS degree. The Physical Science AAS is a better path to next-level science degrees. You don’t have to be great at science to participate in this program. We have fantastic professors and small class sizes to help you become a scientist. You can do this!
What can you do with this degree?
With an AAS in Physical Science, you will have an associate’s degree that improves your employment opportunities. Because you will have a “science degree,” you will be able to apply for jobs in laboratories or conducting fieldwork that requires experience in chemistry, physics, or geoscience.
You will have the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research projects with your professors or create your own research projects. You will also have completed prerequisite courses to earn an environmental science, geoscience, physics, or engineering bachelor’s degree.
Mailing address
Weber State University
College of Science
1415 Edvalson St., Dept. 2507
Ogden, UT 84408-2501
