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Undergraduate Record 2025-2026
Physics, B.S.
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 Return to: College of Arts & Sciences: Degree Programs
The Physics B.S. is designed for students who are planning further study in physics or physics-related areas, or who are planning careers in a scientific or technical field. The program provides intensive preparation in physics and lays a solid foundation for a lifetime of discovery. The major includes concentrations in Fundamental Physics and Applied Physics. The Fundamental Physics concentration is designed for students who seek to pursue a career as a researcher. It provides the most rigorous foundation in basic physics principles and is excellent preparation for continuing work towards a Physics Ph.D. The Applied Physics concentration is designed for students who seek to apply a deep understanding of physics to practical problems in technology and other sciences. It features a customizable focus area consisting of interdisciplinary courses and a capstone research project.
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Universal Curriculum Requirements
To be awarded a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete universal curriculum requirements in addition to the program requirements provided below. The school universal curriculum requirements can be found on the school Degree Programs page . Program Requirements
For the Physics B.S. degree, all students must complete a total of 62 credits, including the core requirements listed below, and one of the two concentrations. All required courses must be passed with a minimum grade of C. Students can substitute the following:
- APMA 2120 (Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III)
- APMA 2130 (Applied Differential Equations) for MATH 3250 (Ordinary Differential Equations)
- APMA 3140 (Applied Partial Differential Equations) for MATH 4220 (Partial Differential Equations)
- PHYS 1425 (Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory Physics 1)
- PHYS 3630 (Computational Physics 1) for PHYS 1655
- PHYS 2415 (Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics 2)
Concentration in Fundamental Physics
Students will complete each of the following courses:
Complete one elective physics course at the 3000 or 5000 level
Concentration in Applied Physics
Students in the Applied Physics concentration must complete all requirements in the following three categories
Advanced Physics:
Three courses chosen from the list below. The courses selected should support the student’s intended capstone project, see below. Topical Electives:
Four courses addressing a cohesive physics-related topic in science or engineering, on which the student intends to focus their capstone. One course can be at the 2000-level or higher, and the other three must be at the 3000-level or higher. These courses may be from the departments of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. The Physics Department will provide a list of potential topics – and recommended courses by topic – on their web page. Capstone:
Six credits of research or project work on the student’s chosen topic. Capstone coursework must be approved by the student’s major advisor. Before the start of the first semester of the capstone project, the student must provide to the advisor a written proposal summarizing the work to be done and how it relates to their chosen topic. Distinguished Majors Program
The Distinguished Major Program provides recognition of outstanding academic performance in a challenging sequence of Physics courses including a research project. Students who complete the B.S. requirements with final grade point averages exceeding 3.4, 3.6, or 3.8, are given departmental recommendation to receive their degrees with distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction, respectively. Requirements B.S. in Astronomy-Physics
The Astronomy-Physics BS is designed for students intending graduate study in astronomy, physics, or related fields. This is an interdepartmental major administered jointly with the Astronomy Department. Students in this major have advisors both from Astronomy and Physics. Students will complete a total of 80 credits including the following required courses:
Students can substitute the following:
- APMA 2120 (Multivariable Calculus) for MATH 2310 (Calculus III)
- APMA 2130 (Applied Differential Equations) for MATH 3250 (Ordinary Differential Equations)
- APMA 3140 (Applied Partial Differential Equations) for MATH 4220 (Partial Differential Equations)
- PHYS 1425 (Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory Physics 1)
- PHYS 3630 (Computational Physics 1) for PHYS 1655
- PHYS 2415 (Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics 2)
Six additional credits of 3000-5000 level astronomy courses
Distinguished Astronomy-Physics Major Program
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.400 or better. For the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP), - Students must meet the requirements of the astronomy-physics major described above,
- Must complete either PHYS 3660 or any PHYS course at the 5000-level,
- Complete a two-semester Senior Thesis (ASTR 4998),
- Complete at least two ASTR courses at the 4000 - 5000-level (excluding ASTR 4993 and 4998) as part of the six credits of elective astronomy courses.
This program leads to the award of degrees with distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction Additional Information
For more information, contact Physics Department, Jesse W. Beams Laboratory of Physics, P.O. Box 400714, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4714, (434) 924-3781; www.phys.virginia.edu. |
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