Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Bachelor of Arts
Roanoke College

Physics involves the study of matter and energy and their interactions. Discoveries in physics underlie much of our modern technological society. In addition to enabling students to understand technology better, physics develops analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly sought by employers. Roanoke physics faculty are dedicated to creating a close-knit community of learners, to working closely with interested students on research projects, and to supporting graduating students in finding a great job or attending graduate school.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Do you want to learn about the fundamental laws of nature at both the largest astronomical and smallest nano scales? The Physics major gives you hands-on experience with materials, optics, astronomy, and other aspects of the physical world.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Students should be prepared to take calculus when entering the program.

Considerations When Selecting Courses

Useful courses for transfer include calculus, calculus-based physics with lab. Transferring some foreign language courses will help students finish that college requirement faster.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Roanoke College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree Physics majors often double major with math. Most majors complete research projects and frequently travel to professional meetings to present their research and network with professionals.
Program Successes & Highlights The college's chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma is frequently cited for its outreach programs. Students present programs and mentor local elementary students, set up observation platforms for eclipses and other events, and are committed to community service.
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Roanoke College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Courses completed as part of an associate's degree or general education certificate will be evaluated by our Registrar at admission, and appropriate transfer credits will be awarded. Nearly all general education requirements can be completed with transfer credits.

Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university taken as dual enrollment while in high school will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. Up to three additional World Language courses can satisfy the language requirement. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer.
Credit for Prior Learning In general, Roanoke does not offer credit for prior learning outside of higher education coursework. Military training transcripted by an accredited institution of higher education is accepted.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Roanoke College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
90
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
The average enrolled transfer student has a college transfer GPA of 3.12, and 58% of transfer applicants are admitted.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Roanoke has about 2000 students, mostly undergraduates. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, with a real commitment to teaching and supporting students. Expect close personal interactions with faculty and staff members who get to know you. Active athletic and recreational opportunities are part of the college as are a wide range of student clubs and activities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. VCCS transfer students may choose a catalog from the two years prior to their first term of attendance if desired.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year for freshmen is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Expected transfer students should notify the admissions office as soon as possible, so we can provide advice on courses which will transfer.
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Science in Engineering PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeEngineering Physics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science AssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Hollins UniversityBA in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeScience, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Biophysics BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Biophysics BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Dual Degree Engineering BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Dual Degree Engineering BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: General Physics BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: General Physics BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Teacher Preparation in Physics BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Teacher Preparation in Physics BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Engineering Physics Concentration BABachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Physics: Engineering Physics Concentration BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Richard Bland CollegeAssociate of Science-Physical ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Radford UniversityBS in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityPhysics, BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryPhysics - Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityPhysics-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityAstrophysics-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearNot Specified
University of Mary WashingtonBS in Physics: Applied PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBS in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Science in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhysics Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhysics with concentration in Nanoscience, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPhysics with concentration in Pre-Medical, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPhilosophy (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPhysics (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPhysics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePhysics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9121.01Clinical Research CoordinatorsPlan, 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
11-9121.00Natural Sciences ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
19-2012.00PhysicistsConduct 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
11-9121.02Water Resource SpecialistsDesign or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.Management Occupations
25-1054.00Physics Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-9041.00Architectural and Engineering ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
11-9041.01Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development ManagersDefine, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.Management Occupations
17-2199.03Energy Engineers, Except Wind and SolarDesign, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
25-1032.00Engineering Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
17-2199.00Engineers, All OtherAll engineers not listed separately.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.05Mechatronics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.06Microsystems EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.09Nanosystems EngineersDesign, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.07Photonics EngineersDesign technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.08Robotics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test robotic applications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.11Solar Energy Systems EngineersPerform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.10Wind Energy EngineersDesign underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 134 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Roanoke College
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $18,020 Per Semester $144,160 $0 $144,160 This list price is for full time enrollment, per semester. Almost all students receive financial aid, creating a lower net price. The most recent average net price in our federal report is $14,585 per semester.
Fees
Technology Fee $420 Per Semester $3,360 0 $3,360 For students living on campus, this fee increases to $565.
Student Activity Fee $345 Per Semester $2,760 0 $2,760 For full time students, per semester
Wellness Fee $104 Per Semester $832 0 $832
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional fees
    • Additional fees may include: $150 one time orientation fee, $150 parking fee per year.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.