We conducted a survey of physics in two-year colleges during the 2011–12 academic year. Since a two-year college (TYC) might have more than one campus, our unit of analysis in our studies of TYCs is the campus. During the 2011–12 academic year, we estimate that physics was offered at about 63% (1060) of the 1681 TYC campuses included in our study. We compare our results from the 2011–12 study to those from a similar study we conducted in 2001. We found that algebra/trigonometry-based physics continues to be the most commonly offered physics at TYCs. Almost all of the TYC campuses that offer any physics offer the algebra/trig version. In every case except for “Other Physics,” we find that physics offerings have broadened at TYC campuses that offer physics.
In the December issue, we'll look at enrollments in physics courses taught at TYCs. If you have any questions or comments, please...