Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

BS in Physics

Bachelor of Science
Radford University

The department has four concentrations focusing on different aspects of physics as well as a collaborative dual degree agreement with Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering.  The Theoretical and Experimental concentration prepares students for careers or graduate study in physics.   The Astrophysics concentration focuses on the use of physics in astronomy and planetary science.  The Biophysics concentration looks at the connections between physics, chemistry, and biology and can be used to help prepare students to work or continue to graduate studies in this growing sector.  It also provides a unique pathway to the professional health and medical fields.    The Education concentration prepares students to teach physics at the high school level.  The collaborative program with Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering allows students to earn two bachelor’s degrees (one in Physics, one in a field of Engineering) in a 5-year program. 


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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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
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

To graduate with a major in Physics, a student must attain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all courses attempted in the major including Calculus and Analytic Geometry.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • 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 Radford University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
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 Radford University 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.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Blue Ridge Community College and Radford University
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Rappahannock Community College and Radford University
Richard Bland College GAA Statement on Transfer from Richard Bland College
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Danville Community College and Radford University
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community Collge System and Radford University
Blue Ridge Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
New River Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement Radford University and Virginia Community College System

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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of the transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the RU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequesisites needed for the major.

You enter as a junior with general education requirements met as indicated in the pathway map.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students earning an associate degree while in high school are should complete the freshamn application and are not eligible for the guaranteed admission program. Completion of the transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the RU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequesisites needed for the major.
Credit for Prior Learning We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. Enter your test into the portal to see if your scores will earn credit. If you have industry or military experience, please use College Connect to reach out to us to discuss these prior learning experiences.
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: Radford University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
1800
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
65%
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Radford University is a medium-sized residential college campus of just over 7,500 students. Located the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, we offer 76 academic majors in six academic colleges. Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus their first two years; incoming transfer students do not have an on-campus requirement but are able to live on campus should they so choose. Opportunities to get involved on campus are numerous and include more than 200 student organizations, Division I athletic teams, and plenty of outdoor adventure trip planned by the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
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
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
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Physics EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Science 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
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
11-9121.02Water Resource SpecialistsDesign or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.Management 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 120 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 Radford University
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 $6,274 Per Semester $50,192 $0 $50,192 Per semester tuition for a full time status of 12-16 credit hours
Fees
Technology $60 Per Semester $480 0 $480
Comprehensive $1,950 Per Semester $15,600 0 $15,600
*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:
  • Part-time students
    • Students taking fewer than 12 credits will pay $354 (in-state) or $881 (out of state) + $168/fees(Instate) and $187.00 (out of state) per credit hour. For more information, visit https://www.radford.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/index.html.
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.