Physics Program

The physics degree program at Diablo Valley College instructs students on the scientific study of matter and energy, as well as the testing and formulation of laws that govern the behavior of the matter-energy continuum. Students who graduate the physics degree program may follow a career path in ecology, healthcare, archaeology, and more. Course instruction includes classes in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, and more. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer physics program.

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Diablo Valley College

8555 Commerce Ave, San Diego, CA

Diablo Valley College (DVC) is a two-year college in the Contra Costa Community College District. It is located on a 100-acre campus in view of Mt. Diablo, and just 20 miles from the University of Berkeley, California. Many students at DVC aim to transfer to UC Berkeley and other four-year institutions to complete their bachelor's degrees. DVC has an excellent transfer rate, and transfer agreements with the UC California and California State College systems.

DVC offers associate's degrees and vocational and professional training that leads to certificates of achievement and accomplishment. DVC offers academic study programs in 57 occupational specialties. Lifelong learning opportunities are also available without a degree or certificate, and many courses are available online through "DVC Online."

History

Established in 1949 as East Contra Costa Junior College, it originally operated out of rooms in local high schools, banks and churches. It got its own campus site in 1952, and the name was changed to Diablo Valley College in 1958.

Academics

The academic calendar for Diablo Valley College offers fall, spring and summer terms, with shorter sessions available at other times throughout the year.

Colleges and Schools

Academic units at DVC are organized into academic divisions. The nine academic divisions at Diablo Valley College are:

• Applied and Fine Arts
• Biological and Health Sciences
• Business Education
• Counseling/Library
• English
• Math and Computer Science
• Physical Education, Athletics and Dance
• Physical Sciences and Engineering
• Social Sciences
• At San Ramon campus, the divisions are:
• Applied Arts & Social Science
• Language Arts
• Math & Science
• Computer Information Systems (CIS)

Student Life

For students at Diablo Valley College who are seeking involvement beyond the classroom, there are a wide variety of student clubs and organizations available on campus. The focus of the 50-plus student organizations on campus ranges from academic to athletic, social, political, cultural, religious, artistic and special interest. Students who wish to start their own student club or organization may do so through the Associated Students of Diablo Valley College (ASDVC).

Art galleries featuring student art, musical, theatre and dance performances are also available. The student newspaper offers information about campus activities and offers more opportunities for student involvement.

Other student resources available through DVC include student health services, a student life office, student union, leadership, support resources, and a calendar of events, among others.

Traditions

DVC has a relatively new fight song called "Go Green," which is quickly becoming a new student tradition. The traditional school colors are green and white, with gold as an accent color. The school mascot is a Viking, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Diablo Valley "Vikings."

Athletics

The Diablo Valley College "Vikings" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Water Polo

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its primary Pleasant Hill Campus in Pleasant Hill, California, Diablo Valley College also has the San Ramon Valley Center in the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon, California. Classes are also taught at various locations throughout the community.

Community Life

Community resources for Diablo Valley College include an observatory that features a planetarium, and community access to theatre, dance and musical performances on campus.

Students Enrolled in the Physics Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Diablo Valley College offers an associate's degree program in physics.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $81.99
  • Average Annual Salary: $170550

Physicists

Description

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, physicists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
  • Total Employment: 330
  • Average Hourly Rate: $40.90
  • Average Annual Salary: $85080

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Description

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).