Physics

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2019-2020

College of Humanities and Sciences

Program description

The curriculum in physics prepares students for technical careers in physics or an allied area, for careers in engineering and for the teaching of physics in secondary schools. The curriculum also prepares students for graduate studies in physics or a related area.

Students will learn to 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.

Career opportunities

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, students can pursue careers in research and development, science, engineering, education, medicine, law, business, and the military.

Bachelor-level job titles

Automotive Engineer
Computer Systems Analyst
Environmental Compliance Inspector
Geophysical Data Technician
High School Teacher
Photonics Engineer
Quality Control Analyst
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Software Quality Assurance Engineer/Tester
Technical Writer
Web Developer

Graduate and professional level job titles

Astrophysicist
Engineer
Meteorologist
Secondary School Teacher

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Physics

Plan of study in Bulletin

Physics

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 201 or higher

Science required

5+ additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Physics

Contact name:

Calla Talman

Building/room location:

701 West Grace Street

Phone:

(804) 828-1821

Email:

physics@vcu.edu

https://physics.vcu.edu

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Complete MATH 201 and PHYS by end of first year.
Utilize Campus Learning Center resources.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Join a student organization such as Medical Physics Scholastic Society, Women in Science, STEM at VCU, Black Women in STEM, or a pre-professional health track club.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Work with a professor as a preceptor or through a directed reading and/or independent study.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Create a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
With careful planning, a study abroad semester works well during junior or senior year.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Develop tangible skills in internships that you can demonstrate to employers.
Go to a conference for a professional association, club or other organization.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Take supplemental courses that will help you build your skill set and resume including internship, directed and/or independent study, labs, preceptorship and service-learning.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.
Get a job as a tutor or Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the Campus Learning Center or in Student Athlete Support Services.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2019-2020

Physics

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. Complete MATH 201 and PHYS by end of first year. Utilize Campus Learning Center resources.	Apply to join the Honors College. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.	Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage. Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake. Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services, Business Career Services, or Engineering Career Services, depending on your course of study. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.	Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.	Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond). Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break. Join a student organization such as Medical Physics Scholastic Society, Women in Science, STEM at VCU, Black Women in STEM, or a pre-professional health track club.	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.	Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.	Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. Work with a professor as a preceptor or through a directed reading and/or independent study.	Create a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.	Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. With careful planning, a study abroad semester works well during junior or senior year.	Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Develop tangible skills in internships that you can demonstrate to employers. Go to a conference for a professional association, club or other organization.	Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Services about graduate school versus a job. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Take supplemental courses that will help you build your skill set and resume including internship, directed and/or independent study, labs, preceptorship and service-learning.	Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above). Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector. Get a job as a tutor or Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the Campus Learning Center or in Student Athlete Support Services.	Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.	Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview with your Career Services office. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.