| |
| |
May 30, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
2026-2027 University Academic Catalog
Physics, B.S. (R, L)
|
|
 Return to: Academic Majors, Minors, Certificates, and Academic Designations
The Bachelor of Science in Physics offers an experiential, career-focused approach that integrates applied physics, astronomy, and real-world learning. Students develop strong technical and analytical skills through project-based coursework, research, internships, and community engagement, including opportunities to design and lead programs in the Radford University Planetarium, Selu Observatory, and K–12 Science Days.
The major includes a concentration in Applied Physics & Astronomy with four flexible, career-aligned pathways: Space Science & Astronomy; Applied Physics & Industry Applications; Science Communication & Public Engagement; and a second concentration in Physics Secondary Science Education. Graduates are prepared for careers in industry, government, space science, STEM outreach and communication, or teaching middle and high school physics, as well as for graduate or professional study.
|
REAL Curriculum
This major fulfills the R and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students fulfill the R area through classes requiring students to apply quantitative and scientific information to test problems to draw conclusions and to generate scientific and quantitative knowledge.These requirements are accomplished though the skills and knowledge gained in mathematical and scientific reasoning utilized in Physics courses taken in the first two years of the major curriculum. Students fulfill the L area through classes requiring the students to develop professional skills and critically reflect on how their skills, abilities and experiences apply in a profession. Students develop these skills and reflect on their professional skills, experience and abilities in laboratory and computational physics courses taken in the second year of the major curriculum. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the E and A areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements. REAL Foundational Requirements
Foundational Writing (3 credits)
Foundational Math (3 credits)
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Physics minor includes 0-3 credits of writing intensive courses. General Education Requirements
General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Physics major includes 20 general education credits, though more may be earned depending on the chosen pathway through the major. Major Requirements (60-67 credits)
B.S. Requirement (8 credits)
Students must take CHEM 111 and then can choose from CHEM 112 OR GEOL 105 . Students in the Physics Secondary Science Education Concentration must take CHEM 112 . Common Core (25-28 credits)
All Physics majors must complete the Common Core below. Students in the Physics Secondary Science Concentration should select PHYS 221 , PHYS 222 , and PHYS 309 from the common core requirements. Applied Physics & Astronomy Concentration
All students except those pursuing a career in secondary education in physics should select the Applied Physics & Astronomy Concentration. In the Applied Physics & Astronomy Concentration, students will be advised according to their future goals. Prospective pathways might include, but are not limited to, Science Communication & Public Engagement, Space Science & Astronomy, or Applied Physics & Industry Applications. Students seeking a career in physics secondary science education should choose the Physics Secondary Science Concentration. Physics, Astronomy, or Physical Science (12 credits)
Twelve (12) additional credits of Astronomy (ASTR), Physics (PHYS), or Physical Science (PHSC) courses, including 6 credits of ASTR or PHYS at 300 or higher. Courses will be selected in consultation with faculty advisors to construct a coherent program to meet student career goals. See below for career-aligned recommendations. Suggested for Science Communication & Public Engagement
Gain hands-on experience in the Planetarium, Selu Observatory, Earth Science Museum, K-12 Science Days, Summer Bridge, and BLAST Space Program! This pathway blends astronomy and physics with science communication, digital media, and public engagement. Students develop, lead, and assess outreach activities for school groups and community visitors – building skills and engaging the public in accessible science. Capstone projects include creation and evaluation of hands-on science activities, exhibits, or shows; technical writing and public dissemination of STEM education materials, including social media, podcasting, and video creation; and/or outreach for public audiences. With increasing crossover between science, technology, and public interests, demand for science communicators is experiencing significant growth. This pathway prepares students for fields applying technical knowledge and skills to science communication and public engagement, including K-12 enrichment; museum, planetarium, science center educators, curators, or exhibit developers; outreach at NASA and private space organizations; media production, technical writing, and science journalism; public relations and outreach; grant writing; and foundation, industry or corporate communications. Suggested for Space Science & Astronomy
Explore the universe through hands-on experiences in the Radford University Planetarium, Selu Observatory, and astronomy labs! This pathway combines the study of physics and astronomy with practical skills in observation, data analysis, and computational modeling. Students learn how we study planets, stars, galaxies, and the broader cosmos using telescopes and modern space technology. Through coursework and experiential learning, students gain insight into how discoveries about the universe are made and applied, preparing them for future opportunities in space science, technology, education, and other space-related careers. This pathway prepares students for a variety of careers that explore and apply our understanding of space and the universe. Graduates can pursue opportunities in observatories, planetariums, and research institutions; in government agencies such as NASA or NOAA; or in private aerospace and satellite companies. Skills developed in this pathway—such as data analysis, computer modeling, and problem solving—are also valuable in technical and analytical roles across many industries. Some students continue their studies in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or related fields, while others find rewarding careers supporting space missions, developing new technologies, or helping the public discover more about the cosmos. Suggested for Applied Physics& Industry Applications
Discover how physics shapes the technology and innovations that drive today’s industries. This pathway emphasizes practical, hands-on experience applying physics principles to real-world challenges in engineering, materials science, electronics, and data analysis. Students learn to connect theory with application through laboratory work, computational modeling, and problem-solving projects. Opportunities for collaboration with local industries and research partners help students see how physics contributes to product development, energy systems, manufacturing, and emerging technologies, preparing them to bridge the gap between science and industry. Project-based capstones allow students to address and solve real-world problems such as designing new sensors, analytical tools, or applications to address environmental, health, or other societal issues. Final projects will include a technical report, public presentation, or other outlet to demonstrate professional communication skills. This pathway prepares students for careers that apply technical and analytical skills in physics to industrial, engineering, and research settings. Graduates are well-suited for positions in fields such as materials testing, electronics, instrumentation, energy production, quality control, and product development. Skills in data analysis, programming, and experimental design are in high demand across aerospace, renewable energy, defense, healthcare technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Some students pursue graduate or professional study in engineering, applied physics, or related fields, while others move directly into industry roles that turn scientific understanding into practical innovation. Career-Aligned Pathway Electives (15 credits)
Fifteen (15) additional credits of flexible electives, chosen from physics, astronomy, physical science, or approved interdisciplinary electives selected from the following course menus. Electives will be selected in consultation with faculty advisors to construct a coherent, career-aligned pathway. Pathway electives may be modified or alternate pathways constructed with departmental approval to support students in developing their professional identity and meeting career goals. Suggested for Science Communication & Public Engagement
Suggested for Space Science & Astronomy
Suggested for Applied Physics & Industry Applications
Physics Secondary Science Concentration (26-28 credits)
This pathway helps to address the critical shortage of qualified secondary science teachers, a high-priority workforce need within the Commonwealth. Students in this concentration complete an approved B. S. Physics degree and 15 credits of required coursework towards a minor in Education and Virginia Secondary Education Physics teaching licensure (grades 6-12) – one of the most in-demand careers in Virginia! After completion of the B. S. Physics Secondary Science Education major requirements, students can earn teaching licensure in VA Secondary Education Physics with an additional 24-27 credits of Radford University Professional Education coursework (EDUC 448 , EDUC 458 , EDRD 416 , EDUC 462 , EDUC 403 ) and student teaching (EDUC 468 ). Students pursuing this licensure pathway must apply to the Radford University Teacher Education Program. Passing score on the Praxis II Physics assessment is required for admission to the Teacher Education Program and for licensure. See the Radford University Secondary Education website for up-to-date information. In addition, an expedited pathway to M. S. Education can be completed in 12-18 months. Up to 9 credits of graduate coursework (EDEF 605 , EDEF 607 , 620, or 670) may be applied to B. S. and M. S. Education in Curriculum& Instruction degrees. Students in the Physics Secondary Science Concentration must select PHYS 221 , PHYS 222 , and PHYS 309 from the common core requirements, and CHEM 112 from the BS requirements. Physics (12 credits) and Biology (3-4 credits)
Career-Aligned Pathway Electives (15 credits)
Students should select 15 credits from the following courses. These courses fulfill requirements for the B. S. Physics major and count towards the Radford University Education minor and/or the professional studies requirements for Virginia Secondary Education Physics teaching licensure program (grades 6-12). Additional Degree Requirements
To graduate with a major in Physics, a student must attain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all courses attempted in the major including Calculus and Analytic Geometry. Open Credit Hours (53-60 credits)
These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math. Total Credits Needed For Graduation (120)
Teaching Licensure
Students seeking endorsements to teach physics must take appropriate courses in education. (See the Secondary Education page and contact the College of Education and Human Development for information concerning these courses.) |
Return to: Academic Majors, Minors, Certificates, and Academic Designations
|
|
|