Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Bachelor of Arts
Randolph College

Physics is a discipline that seeks to explain the behavior of the natural world with a comprehensive set of fundamental laws. Success in physics requires a keen analytical mind, a strong desire to understand the fundamental principles of nature, and the ability to work hard and persevere.
A physics major earned in the context of a liberal arts education prepares the student for a wide variety of careers. Scientific careers in universities, research laboratories, and industry are the most obvious opportunities, but the training that a physicist receives in analytical reasoning prepares one for a career in medicine, engineering, law, and business as well. Problem-solving ability combined with knowledge of computer programming also leads to careers in computer science and computer programming.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is for the student interested in studying physics, but who is likely to pursue a career in a related field, or a field which requires an analytical mind. The Bachelor of Science degree is for those planning a career in physics or engineering, and for those considering going on to graduate school.
A student interested in a degree in engineering, but who also wants the benefits of a liberal arts education can elect the engineering physics major. See Engineering Physics for a description of the interdisciplinary major.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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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

Physics is a discipline that seeks to explain the behavior of the natural world with a comprehensive set of fundamental laws. Success in physics requires a keen analytical mind, a strong desire to understand the fundamental principles of nature, and the ability to work hard and persevere.

A physics major earned in the context of a liberal arts education prepares the student for a wide variety of careers. Scientific careers in universities, research laboratories, and industry are the most obvious opportunities, but the training that a physicist receives in analytical reasoning prepares one for a career in medicine, engineering, law, and business as well. Problem-solving ability combined with knowledge of computer programming also leads to careers in computer science and computer programming.

The Bachelor of Arts degree is for the student interested in studying physics, but who is likely to pursue a career in a related field, or a field which requires an analytical mind.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

If the majority of senior research is previously completed in an approved Summer research or other program then the student only needs one credit of PHYS 4494 during the academic year.

  • 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 Randolph College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree A student interested in a degree in engineering, but who also wants the benefits of a liberal arts education can elect the engineering physics major. See Engineering Physics for a description of the interdisciplinary major.
Program Successes & Highlights

Students have many opportunities, on and off campus, for research.Recent research topics have included, among others, “Host Galaxies of Active Galactic Nuclei,” “Monte Carlo Simulations of Electron Cascades in Solids,” and “Surface Adsorption of Polymers.”

Many students participate in internships and study-abroad and summer research programs.Physics and engineering majors have participated in summer programs at:

    • NASA
    • University of Virginia
    • College of William and Mary
    • National Institute of Standards and Technology
    • Lehigh University
    • Bucknell University
    • Kansas State University, and
    • Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf 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.

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.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

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.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
124
B.A. Degree in Physics
124
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Course(s) of level 1100
Physics Major Program
38
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students must take courses in at least four different departments in their first year.
Required Courses
32
PHYS1115
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS1115L
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS1116
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS1116L
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS2251
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS3302
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS3341
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS3361
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MATH2250
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MATH3331
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS3301S
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
One of the following:
4
PHYS3331
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS3332
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Senior Program
5
PHYS4494
5
Earn 5 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS4495
5
Earn 5 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHYS4496
5
Earn 5 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Electives
56
General Education
30
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Randolph College celebrates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Our liberal arts education teaches students to reason creatively, humanistically, scientifically and quantitatively; speak and write with clarity and accuracy; cultivate habits of lifelong learning; develop cultural literacy (regarding their own culture and cultures beyond their own), and consider how to lead a meaningful life (vita abundantior). The General Education Program contributes to these goals by granting students broad exposure to several disciplinary ways of knowing as well as helping students develop core competencies that lay a firm foundation for the work they will do within and beyond the red brick wall.
Artistic Expression
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Every student should learn how humanists and artists "chronicle, record, analyze, transmit, and deepen our understanding of the human condition and experience." This requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing 9-12 credit hours in at least 3 courses in the arts and letters division, including at least 3 to 4 credit hours in both the Artistic Expression and Human Experience cateogries.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Common Experience
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
This course, taken in the first session of the first year, is intended to expose students to a variety of different disciplinary traditions and approaches through the exploration of contemporary issues and questions in society, and to provide an intellectual experience common to all students in an entering class. Includes academic skills workshops and a selection of required out-of-class activities. Transfer students entering with 12 or more hours completed are exempt from this requirement.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Culture and Identity
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students should be able to think about differences in culture and identity. Each student should take at least one course dealing substantively with issues related to gender, race, class, or disability, or focusing on a culture other than Europe or the United States.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Human Experience
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Every student should learn how humanists and artists “chronicle, record, analyze, transmit, and deepen our understanding of the human condition and experience.” This requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing 9-12 credit hours in at least 3 courses in the arts and letters division
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Language
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:

Every student should develop some capability in a language, ancient or modern, other than her or his own. Fulfillment of this requirement may be accomplished in one of the following ways:

  1. Successful completion of two sessions of a single foreign language not previously studied; or
  2. Successful completion of two sessions of a single foreign language at the elementary or intermediate level in a language previously studied, depending on placement; or
  3. Successful completion of a course above the intermediate level; or
  4. Exemption based on a qualifying SAT II score, an Advanced Placement score of 4 or better, an International Baccalaureate score of 5 or better, or departmental examination. International students fluent in a language other than English may request an exemption from the Office of the Provost of the College. Other students fluent in a language other than English may apply to the Board of Review for exemption.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Science
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Every student should learn how scientists acquire, organize, and apply knowledge about nature based on experiments and observations. This requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing a course in the natural sciences and its laboratory component.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Physical Education
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
A liberal arts education includes development of the mind and body. Through active participation in a wide range of physical activity options, students gain an appreciation for the benefits that come from physical activity and exercise. One hour of credit is required and completion in the first two years of study is strongly recommended.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Quantitative Reasoning
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Every student should demonstrate fundamental quantitative reasoning and application skills.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social Science
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Every student should learn how social and behavioral scientists acquire, organize, and apply knowledge in the study of society or human behavior. This requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing one course in the social or behavioral sciences.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Writing
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Every student should develop the ability to write English effectively, to use College library resources and research processes, and to follow appropriate conventions in academic writing. Unless granted an exemption by the Department of English on the basis of an English Composition Placement Test or earned college credit for the equivalent, each student must take WRIT 1103 (or its equivalent) during their first year. For non-native speakers only, the following sequence must be begun in the first session: WRIT 1101,1102: English Composition I and II.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Writing Intensive
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Each student must complete a course in any discipline with a Writing Intensive (WI) designation. This course may also fulfill one of the Ways of Knowing General Education requirements.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

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 general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will not guarantee completion of the general education component of the Randolph undergraduate curriculum. Courses will be evaluated individually upon transfer.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will not guarantee completion of the general education component of the Randolph undergraduate curriculum. Courses will be evaluated individually upon transfer.
Credit for Prior Learning Not Available
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: Randolph College
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
42
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
90% of transfers admitted, the average GPA is 3.12.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?
  • Randolph College's total undergraduate enrollment is around 650, with 98% being full-time students.
  • Generally, 60% percent are women and 40% are men, mirroring the national average.
  • Randolph College enrolls graduate students in several programs including a Master of Arts in Teaching, M.F.A. in Creative Writing or Theatre, and a Master of Arts in Coaching and Sport Leadership.
  • Randolph's students come from many states and countries and about 75% are Virginia residents.
  • The student body includes around 35% domestic non-white students.
  • Members of Randolph's first-year class are high achievers, with GPAs averaging about 3.56.
  • A remarkable 96% of Randolph's 69 full-time faculty members hold the highest possible degree in their fields.
  • Randolph offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum in small classes taught by engaged, caring professors, never graduate students. The average class size is 9, and the student: faculty ratio is 8:1.
  • Around 30 majors and over 40 minors, as well the option of an independently designed major tailored to your interests.
  • Co-curricular experiences bring real world focus to every major and require significant independent research.
  • Five pre-professional programs, including law, medicine, veterinary medicine, teacher licensure, engineering, and other health-related studies.
  • A cooperative, dual degree career program in engineering allows students to earn a degree at Randolph and a second degree from another institution (Washington University in St. Louis or the University of Virginia) in a compressed time frame.
  • Unique opportunities like the American Culture Program, the Symposium of Artists & Scholars, the Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) grant program, and the Summer Research Program.
    		•
    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 See the transfer application process;https://www.randolphcollege.edu/admission/apply/transfer-student/
    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
    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
    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 124 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 Bachelor of Arts in Physics at Randolph 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 $14,720 Per Semester $117,760 $0 $117,760 Randolph College bills a per semester flat tuition for undergraduates. For part-time, degree, nonresident students, as well as fifth year undergraduate students and nontraditional undergraduate students (age 24 and over) a fee of $1094.00 per credit hour will be billed.
    Fees
    Housing and Food (formerly known as Room & Board) $6,175 Per Semester $49,400 0 $49,400 Per Semester Room & Board
    Enrollment Deposit $300 Per Semester $2,400 0 $2,400 Required only of NEW students and due May 1
    Study Abroad Fee $1,500 Per Semester $12,000 0 $12,000 Affiliated Programs per semester. Fees for these programs vary. Students interested in off-campus programs, either study abroad or domestic, should consult with the Associate Provost regarding applicable fees for each program. Please note that fees can range from $250.00 to $2500.00.
    *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:
    • Audit Fee Per Credit
      • $175 with prior permission of instructor, a special, part-time, non-degree, non-resident student may audit courses, with the exception of courses in art studio, music performance lessons, physical education activity courses, and science courses with required laboratory.
    • Summer Online Undergraduate Course Fee
      • Tuition for most undergraduate courses is $1,500. Lab science courses are $1,125 for the course and $750 for the lab component.
    • Summer Independent Study Per Credit Fee
      • $150
    • Experiental Learning Per Credit Fee
      • $150
    • Orientation Fee
      • $200, One time only.
    • Student Government (Activity) Fee
      • $350, One time only.
    • Technology Fee
      • $520 Annual fee for residential, commuter and online students. One time only.
    • Graduation Fee
      • All graduates (both bachelors and masters) are charged a graduation fee of $200 in the term in which they are scheduled to graduate. The fee is used to partially offset costs associated with Commencement, including the graduation robe, cap, and tassel, printing of diplomas and programs, speaker travel and accommodations, etc. One time only.
    • Student Accident Insurance
      • All full-time Randolph College students are covered by an Individual Student Accident Policy. This policy assures that if a student is injured during the academic year, there is up to a $5,000 accidental medical benefit in place. The mandatory plan is a nominal charge of $61 per semester charged to the student's tuition account. Since unforeseen illnesses and accidents do happen, Randolph College is working to facilitate a student's academic success by not having to worry about unforeseen medical bills due to lack of coverage.
    • Student Medical Costs
      • The services of the College nurse practitioner, nurses, and counselors, and the use of the Health and Counseling Center are provided to residential students without additional cost. Non-residential, full-time students are charged a mandatory, nonrefundable fee of $50 per semester for Health Center and Counseling Center services. Patients are expected to pay for medications, laboratory work and, if additional medical attention is desired, for such fees as those of the hospitals, urgent care centers, surgeons, special nurses, and/or consulting physicians.
    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.