Physics Majors & Minor

The University of Richmond offers several physics degree options to allow you to select what best fits your needs:

  • The B.S. in physics is great preparation for graduate school in physics, astronomy, or engineering, or for technical jobs.
  • The B.A. in physics has fewer required courses and prepares you well for a teaching career.
  • The B.S. in interdisciplinary physics allows you to pair your study of physics with a concentration in a related field such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, or math.

We also offer a dual-degree program in engineering in partnership with Columbia University.

  • Bachelor of Science in Physics

    The Bachelor of Science Degree

    13-14 units, including:

    • PHYS127 Algebra-Based General Physics 1 with Lab or PHYS131 Calculus-Based General Physics 1 with Lab

    • One unit, chosen from:

      • PHYS128 Algebra-Based General Physics 2 with Lab

      • PHYS132 Calculus-Based General Physics 2 with Lab

    • PHYS260 Mathematical Methods in Physics

    • PHYS303 Classical Mechanics

    • PHYS305 Electricity and Magnetism

    • PHYS308 Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

    • PHYS309 Quantum Mechanics

    • PHYS397 Junior Seminar 1

    • PHYS398 Junior Seminar 2

    • PHYS498 Senior Seminar 1

    • PHYS498 Senior Seminar 2

    • Experimental work, two units chosen from:

    • One unit, chosen from:

      • CHEM141 Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics

      • CMSC150 Introduction to Computing

      • MATH235 Multivariate Calculus

    • MATH345 Linear Algebra

    • Two additional units in PHYS numbered above 200, excluding PHYS381

    Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the major. Prerequisites do not count toward the major unless otherwise noted.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Physics

    The Bachelor of Arts Degree

    11 units, including:

    • PHYS127 Algebra-Based General Physics 1 with Lab or PHYS131 Calculus-Based General Physics 1 with Lab

    • One unit, chosen from:

      • PHYS128 Algebra-Based General Physics 2 with Lab

      • PHYS132 Calculus-Based General Physics 2 with Lab

    • One unit, chosen from:

      • PHYS201 Einstein's Relativity

      • PHYS202 Particle/Wave Duality and the Quantum Revolution

      • PHYS205 Introduction to Modern Physics

    • One unit, chosen from:

    • PHYS397 Junior Seminar 1

    • PHYS398 Junior Seminar 2

    • PHYS498 Senior Seminar 1

    • PHYS498 Senior Seminar 2

    • Three additional units in PHYS

    • MATH212 Calculus II

    • Two additional units in courses approved by the department

    This degree is offered primarily for students who wish to pursue a career in education or business or wishing to earn a cultural degree.

  • Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Physics

    The Interdisciplinary Physics Major for the Bachelor of Science Degree

    Note: Students cannot major in both physics and interdisciplinary physics.

    This degree is intended for students with a broad interest in several sciences or interdisciplinary science or who wish to pursue one of the engineering options.

    15 units, including:

    • PHYS127 Algebra-Based General Physics 1 with Lab or PHYS131 Calculus-Based General Physics 1 with Lab

    • One unit, chosen from:

      • PHYS128 Algebra-Based General Physics 2 with Lab

      • PHYS132 Calculus-Based General Physics 2 with Lab

    • One unit, chosen from:

      • PHYS201 Einstein's Relativity

      • PHYS202 Particle/Wave Duality and the Quantum Revolution

      • PHYS205 Introduction to Modern Physics

    • One unit, chosen from:

    • PHYS260 Mathematical Methods in Physics

    • PHYS397 Junior Seminar 1

    • PHYS398 Junior Seminar 2

    • PHYS498 Senior Seminar 1

    • PHYS498 Senior Seminar 2

    • MATH211-MATH212 Calculus I-II

    • Three additional units in physics at the 200 level or above

    • One of the concentrations described below. All concentrations require 4-5 additional units beyond those listed above.

      • Biology Concentration

        • BIOL200 Integrated Biological Principles I

        • CHEM141 Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics

        • Three additional units in biology

      • Biochemistry Concentration

      • Chemistry Concentration

        • CHEM141 Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics

        • CHEM309-CHEM310 Physical Chemistry and CHEM314-CMSC315 Physical Chemistry Laboratory

        • One additional unit in chemistry

      • Computer Science Concentration

        • CMSC150 Introduction to Computing

        • CMSC221 Data Structures with Lab

        • Three additional units in computer science

      • Data Science Concentration

      • Mathematics Concentration

        • MATH235 Multivariate Calculus

        • MATH245 Linear Algebra

        • MATH312 Differential Equations

        • Two additional units in mathematics at the 300 level or above

      • Engineering Concentration: Five units of engineering courses

        • This concentration is intended for students participating in the 3-2 engineering program.

        • The required units will be earned at another institution.

    • At most two units of PHYS381 may be used as elective credit for the major.

  • Minor in Physics

    The Physics Minor

    Five units, including:

    • Three units numbered above 200, excluding 397-398 and 497-498

    • Two additional units in PHYS