Frequently Asked Questions: Physics

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• • How can I get an engineering prerequisite course cleared?
    If you believe you took classes at another school that will meet a prerequisite requirement, and have not been granted course equivalence by the Office of Admissions and Records, contact the department chair for that course (so if you wish to take Calculus III, you will need to present proof of Calculus II to the Math department chair; if you wish to take PHYS 4B, you should present proof of PHYS 4A to the physics chair). Include a copy of your transcript, course description of the equivalent course taken at another school, and your Mt. SAC student number.
  • How can I be cleared for CHEM 50 without taking the prerequisite CHEM 40?

    Clearance for CHEM 50 can be attained in three main ways:
    

    • AP Chemistry score of "3" or better
    • Two-semesters of high school chemistry with a grade of "B" or better in both semesters
    • Take the Chemistry Placement Exam and get a passing score

    Please read the following pdf document for more information: CHEM50_Elligibility_Placement

  • Do I have to be a physics or engineering major to take engineering courses?

    No, eligibility for physics and engineering courses is not contingent upon major.

  • Do I have to take engineering courses at Mt. SAC to transfer into an engineering program?
    Each four-year engineering program has a different set prerequisite courses.  Contact an engineering engineering faculty advisor for more information about four-year undergraduate programs.
  • If I have questions, who should I contact?
    Contact a physics or  engineering faculty advisor for more information about our program courses. You may also ask a STEM counselor .
  • What is the difference between a STEM counselor and a regular counselor at Mt. SAC? Will a regular counselor be able to answer all of my questions?
    We encourage engineering transfer students to contact STEM counselors for assistance with their educational maps.  Additional questions about the engineering disciplines, career readiness and transfer institutions should be addressed to engineering faculty advisors.
  • Do I need to satisfy all of the IGETC requirements to be eligible to transfer?
    While transfer requirements vary by school and major, you typically  do not need to complete IGETC to be eligible to transfer.
  • If I want to complain about a professor/course, what should I do?
    Contact the Department Chair and arrange a meeting.  You may also contact the Natural Sciences Division Office (nsdiv@mtsac.edu) and ask about the formal process for submitting a complaint.
  • How do I know what classes I should be taking?
     If you have selected an engineering major, view our course curriculum flow charts. You can also contact an engineering faculty member or STEM counselor.
  • I am a current high school student. Can I still take engineering classes at Mt. SAC?
    Yes, as long as you meet the prerequisites. Note that courses like ENGR 1S or programs like ESC are only open to recent high school graduates.
    
  • What should I do if I am struggling in one of my physics or engineering classes?
    If you are struggling in one of your classes, the first thing is to remember that all STEM students will struggle with courses at one time or another. With that being said, if you believe you are having more difficulty with a course than what is considered normal, contact your professor ASAP so they can work with you/guide you to additional support and resources available.  You can also contact staff at the ASAC, the STEM Center, and the Mountie MakerSpace.
  • Does Mt. SAC offer any physics/engineering degrees?
    Mt. SAC currently offers degrees and/or certificates in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Surveying Technology, and Technical Sales. We are working to add a physics degree soon.
  • Are there any honors physics/engineering classes?
    No (but there are transfer admissions programs that provide GPA bonus points to students who complete them.)
  • How can I get credit for a Mt. SAC course if I took a similar course at another college?
    Fill out a Equivalent Coursework or Course Substitution Form from the Division and have it signed by the Department Chair and Division Dean.
  • What do I do if a course I need to complete my degree is not offered the semester I want to graduate?
    Students can meet with the Department Chair and ask if you can take another course in place of the one that is not offered.
  • How do I get a Mt. SAC certificate once I have completed the certificate requirements?
    Students must fill out the certificate application form that can be obtained here and submit it to the Admissions and Records Office.
  • If a class is full and I want to add the class, what do I do?
    Students wishing to add a full class may list their name on the waitlist for the course, attend the first day of class and ask the instructor if they have room for you to add.

Certificate/Degree Application Questions

• • How do I apply for a degree/transfer status?
    Please refer to the counseling department's guide to completion.
  • Where can I find the certificate application?
    Please see Application for Certificate.
  • How do I find out how far I am from completing a certificate?
    For more information on completion status, please check Degree Works in your Portal or speak to an Academic Counselor in Bldg 9B.  
  • Where do I submit my application?
    You may submit your completed application at Admissions and Records in Bldg 9B, Level One.

For further information, please contact your program's Department Chairs/Department Coordinators listed below:

Major/Subject	Name	Email	Phone
Engineering or Physics (summer 2025)	Malcolm Rickard	mrickard@mtsac.edu	(909) 274 - 6868
Engineering or Physics (starting Fall 2025)	John Miller	jmiller97@mtsac.edu	(909) 274 - 6432