Physical Sciences
Discover the forces that shape our world with Butte College's Physical Sciences programs. Whether you're studying physics, chemistry, or environmental science, our hands-on approach and expert faculty will prepare you for careers in science, engineering, and beyond.
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Programs
Goal
Career or TransferLength
2-2.5 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree in Physical Science
The Associate of Science in Physical Science degree prepares students to be able to investigate and describe the evidence used to develop core scientific principles and use those principles to explain fundamental biological and physical phenomena. They will apply scientific methodologies to solve problems and analyze the relationships among the different areas of physical science, recognizing both their connections and distinctions. In addition, students will demonstrate an understanding of how the physical sciences differ from the biological and social sciences in scope, method, and focus.
Associate Degree in Environmental Science
This Environmental Science program promotes an understanding of the basic operational principles of the biosphere and ecosystems through a transdisciplinary approach that examines interactions among the biological world, the physical environment, and human institutions. Students gain an understanding of essential biological and physical processes, analyze human–environment interactions, and explore different cultural perspectives on the environment. The program emphasizes critical thinking, sound decision-making, and value-based judgment while also developing specialized analytical skills in at least one area of environmental science. Students build teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution skills, along with effective written and oral communication abilities.
Flexibility
The programs in this cluster allow you to complete your major coursework at Main Campus while taking general education requirements at Main Campus, the Chico Center, Glenn Center, or Online. This means you can design a schedule that balances focused major study with flexible general education options across multiple locations.
Goal
Transfer or CareerLength
2-2.5 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree in Chemistry
This Chemistry program centers on the study of the properties, composition, and transformations of all material substances, supporting and drawing from biology, earth science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and physics. Chemistry is a rewarding and fascinating field that helps students understand these disciplines and “how things work” in general. Chemistry majors find opportunities in agronomy, biotechnology, energy production, environmental science, material science, medicine, patent law, teaching, and more; however, most careers in chemistry require education beyond the associate degree.
Flexibility
You'll need to base yourself at Main Campus for the Chemistry major's required courses, since that's where they're reliably offered. Your general education requirements can be completed at any of our centers or online, which gives you some flexibility around your schedule.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
2-3 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree for Transfer in Physics
The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer degree is designed for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Physics at a CSU campus. Physics majors build a foundation for advanced study and careers in research, engineering, teaching, technology, and other science-related fields. Students completing an Associate Degree for Transfer are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, though not to a specific campus or major. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system.
Associate Degree in General Physics
The Associate in Science in General Physics is designed for students planning to transfer to a university and major in Physics or a related discipline. Students who complete this program may transfer into the General Physics program at CSU, Chico or into related fields aligned with their degree breadth. Physics is the study of the relationships among time, space, motion, matter, and energy, representing both a record of humanity’s evolving understanding of the universe and a set of strategies for mathematically modeling and analyzing physical systems. Preparation in Physics provides a strong foundation for multidisciplinary studies and success in other scientific fields. Physics is a mathematically demanding field; to begin this degree, students must have the prerequisites for college-level calculus, though many students start below calculus and progress successfully to advanced degrees.
Flexibility
Both Physics programs require their major coursework at Main Campus, where the program's core courses run reliably. Your general education requirements offer more flexibility and can be completed at any of Butte's centers or online. We recommend meeting with a counselor to map out your specific course sequence and confirm upcoming offerings.
Goal
TransferLength
2 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree for Transfer in Geology
The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree (AS-T in Geology) is designed for students planning to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geology at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, though not to a specific campus or major, and will be required to complete no more than 60 additional units after transfer. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a university outside the CSU system.
Flexibility
You can complete all of your Geology major coursework at Main Campus. Your general education requirements can be taken at any of our centers or online, giving you flexibility there, but plan on Main Campus for the courses you need in your major.
Goal
TransferLength
2 yearsFlexibility
Associate Degree for Transfer in Geography
The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer (AA-T in Geography) creates a transfer pathway for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geography at a California State University. This program provides students with a strong foundation in both Physical and Cultural Geography, along with additional coursework in the discipline, including opportunities to earn a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Geography explores spatial relationships that make places unique, including physical characteristics, cultural traditions, and economic and governmental structures, while examining the dynamic connections between humans and their environment.
Flexibility
You'll need to piece together your major coursework across multiple locations, since no single campus reliably offers all required courses. Main Campus and Online each have solid coverage of some requirements, so you could plan to split your time between them—or combine either one with the Chico Center—depending on which courses fit your schedule. Once you've picked a general plan, sit down with a counselor to map out your specific semesters and make sure the courses you need are actually running when you need them.
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