Program Details
Physics with concentration in Nanoscience, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in nanoscience requires a minimum of 120 credits. The curriculum prepares students for careers in industry, academia, applied health or nanoscience-related areas. The curriculum also prepares students for graduate studies in nanoscience and related areas.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following: Perform scientific reasoning and complex problem-solving Physics majors will receive a fundamental understanding of the main areas of physics so that they are prepared for jobs that use physics-based technologies. They are expected to have mastered the analytical approach to solving technical problems by identifying simple subsystems that obey known physical laws and using these laws to approximate the behavior of the whole system. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the main areas of physics Demonstrate communication skills, both written and oral, needed to explain the analysis of technical problems Demonstrate scientific literacy skills including searching, reading and critically reviewing scientific publications Demonstrate proficiency in information processing by generating and interpreting data presented in tables, graphs, drawings and models Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the novel phenomena of matter that occur at the size scale of nanometers
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | This degree is math-intensive and offers a large number of elective opportunities. Elective courses focus on real world applications such as programming, circuits, optics, microscopy and data analysis. These are all areas that are highly sought after by many STEM-based industries. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students must complete 40-42 credits in physics and physics-related electives and 26-34 credits in ancillary requirements. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students entering the physics program should try to take as many math classes as possible before coming to VCU. The more math completed, the sooner one can start with the physics sequence. Currently students need to complete Calculus 1 (MATH 200) before entering the physics curriculum.
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | The Physics Department only requires 30 credit hours which makes it an ideal program from which to explore double majors or specialized minors. Many of our students are double majors with a variety of other engineering, math and science departments. Physics has an accelerated 4+1 M.S. degree with an emphasis on nanoscience. Physics also has three concentrations that focus on the research areas within the department: Physics, Nanoscience, Pre-Medical. Physics majors have opportunities to work closely with professors on research problems. In many cases this leads to students being listed as co-authors on publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Additionally, the physics department also operates its own tutoring center where physics majors can work as paid tutors on a part-time basis. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Almost all of our research-active faculty include undergraduate students in their research program. Since 2022, 40 students have graduated with a physics degree from VCU. Of these, 30% were transfer students that graduated in an average of 3.25 years (this includes part-time and full-time students) and 50% were admitted as freshman that graduated in an average of 4.3 years. 95% of physics majors graduating since 2022 have either found a job in a STEM-based industry or pursued graduate education in physics or engineering. |
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 Virginia Commonwealth 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.
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 |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Science or the Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science are the recommended associate degrees for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Science or the Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science are the recommended associate degrees for this major. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
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 |
11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
