Program Details
Associate of Science-Physical Science
Associate of ScienceRichard Bland College
Outcomes
1 Solve scientific problems using appropriate mathematical tools and skills— such as algebra, calculus, statistics, etc. 2 Acquire and analyze data and use quantitative reasoning to draw scientific conclusions from experiments. 3 Identify and explain the contemporary ideas and theories of physics, chemistry, and the physical sciences. 4 Apply scientific methodologies to test hypotheses, conduct scientific investigations, analyze experimental results, and draw informed conclusions. 5 Clearly formulate questions, critically evaluate sources, and critique the soundness of logical arguments. 6 Communicate effectively orally and in writing using the structures and stylistic conventions specific to their chosen discipline. 7 Recognize and articulate the interplay and influences that exist between the physical and quantitative sciences and history, social forces, and the human experience.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Required courses include: Calculus I/II, Multivariable Calculus, General Chemistry I/II, and Organic Chemistry or University Physics. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Required courses include: Calculus I/II, Multivariable Calculus, General Chemistry I/II, and Organic Chemistry or University Physics.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | This degree is appropriate for prospective majors in Chemistry and Physics. |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Related Programs & Certifications

Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The completion of an Associate’s Degree program at Richard Bland allows our students to seamlessly transfer to any of our 40+ partner colleges and universities, provided that they meet the GPA requirements for their chosen institution. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://www.rbc.edu/academics/apibclep-credit/ |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | At Richard Bland College, we prepare our students for a lifetime of endless potential. Our campus is diverse and inclusive and offers academically rigorous programs grounded in the liberal arts tradition of William & Mary, guaranteed admissions to more than 40 other colleges and universities, small class sizes, student-run clubs, a selective honors program, athletics, and on-campus housing. Every student has access to support services to help them achieve their personal goals and to help them prepare for university transfer. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog year is determined by the first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.rbc.edu/why-rbc/four-year-transfer-partners/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - General (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Biochemistry (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Education (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Forensic Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Chemistry - Research (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Bridgewater College | Chemistry Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Atmospheric Sciences, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Astronomy, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Environmental Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Online Program) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Geology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Geology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Geology (Environmental) - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BA in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Biophysics BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Biophysics BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Dual Degree Engineering BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Dual Degree Engineering BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: General Physics BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: General Physics BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Teacher Preparation in Physics BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Teacher Preparation in Physics BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Engineering Physics Concentration BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Physics: Engineering Physics Concentration BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Physics Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Physics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Physics - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Physics-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Astrophysics-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Not Specified |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Physics: Applied Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Physics Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Physics with concentration in Nanoscience, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Physics with concentration in Pre-Medical, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Philosophy (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Physics (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Physics (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Physics (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BA in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BS in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Biological Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Major in Biochemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Major in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Biophysical Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Chemistry: Biochemistry BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Chemistry BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Chemistry: Teacher Preparation in Chemistry BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences, Major in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Chemistry, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Not Specified |
George Mason University | Chemistry, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Secondary Education Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Pre-Medicine Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Pre-Medicine (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Chemistry - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Chemistry-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Biochemistry-ACS Cert. | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Chemistry: Biochemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Chemistry-ACS Certified | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Chemistry with concentration in Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Chemistry with concentration in Chemical Modeling, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Chemistry with concentration in Chemical Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Chemistry with concentration in Professional Chemist, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Chemistry with concentration in Professional Chemist with Honors, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Chemistry (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Chemistry (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-1051.00 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-4099.00 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.01 | Quality Control Analysts | Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.03 | Remote Sensing Technicians | Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2011.00 | Astronomers | Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2012.00 | Physicists | Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1054.00 | Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | 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. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9041.00 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
11-9041.01 | Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential. | Management Occupations |
25-1032.00 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-4043.00 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2042.00 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2043.00 | Hydrologists | Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2032.00 | Materials Scientists | Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-2021.00 | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4031.00 | Chemical Technicians | Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1052.00 | Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-2031.00 | Chemists | Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4013.00 | Food Science Technicians | Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4092.00 | Forensic Science Technicians | Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
Cost To Complete
