Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Physics with concentration in Nanoscience, Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science
Virginia 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
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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 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.

  • 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 Virginia Commonwealth University within your first year via College Connect
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
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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 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.

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

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 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...
  • 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: Virginia Commonwealth University
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
1902
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre...see moreVCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their previous institution. Some degree programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Engineering have more competitive GPA requirements. Admission to programs in VCU Arts is also based on an evaluation of additional application materials and may be more competitive. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 earned semester (36 quarter) hours will also be reviewed based on their high school GPA.
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
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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
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in PhysicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Science in PhysicsBachelorBachelor 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 Virginia Commonwealth 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 $6,600 Per Semester $52,800 $0 $52,800 Every credit above 14 credits in a semester is charged at half price ($230 per credit for credits 15 and above; credits 1 -14 are charged the full rate)
Fees
University Fee $1,341 Per Semester $10,728 0 $10,728
Technology Fee $158 Per Semester $1,264 0 $1,264
Library Fee $44 Per Semester $352 0 $352
Student Activity Fee $45 Per Semester $360 0 $360 MCV Campus students pay a flat rate of $18
Academic Support Services Fee $50 Per Semester $400 0 $400
Health Fee $123 Per Semester $984 0 $984
Program Fee $45 Per Semester $360 0 $360
Transition Fee $150 Per Semester $1,200 0 $1,200 New undergraduate transfer students will be charged the Student Transition Fee in their first semester to cover Orientation. The Transition Fee for new First-Year Students is $225 and will be assessed in the first semester.
*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:
  • Potential Additional Fees
    • Additional fees may include on-campus housing, meal plan, parking, technology, and program- and course-specific fees.
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.