Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Bachelor of ArtsRoanoke 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

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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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.
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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

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.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

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.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
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 | 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... |
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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? | 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

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Engineering Physics (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Hollins University | BA in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
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 |
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 |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Physical Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
25-1054.00 | 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 |
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 |
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 |
17-2199.03 | Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | Design, 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 |
25-1032.00 | 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 |
17-2199.00 | Engineers, All Other | All engineers not listed separately. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
17-2199.05 | Mechatronics Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
17-2199.06 | Microsystems Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
17-2199.09 | Nanosystems Engineers | Design, 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 |
17-2199.07 | Photonics Engineers | Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
17-2199.08 | Robotics Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
17-2199.11 | Solar Energy Systems Engineers | Perform 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 |
17-2199.10 | Wind Energy Engineers | Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
Cost To Complete
