Physics, BA or BS

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The physics major at Longwood provides fundamental training in several areas of physics so that graduates may pursue graduate study or careers in research, industry, teaching, or engineering. Those who wish to major in physics may choose from the following options:

traditional physics major for students interested in preparation for graduate work or careers in research, industry, or teaching.
biophysics concentration for students interested in preparation for medical school or graduate work in biophysics.
dual-degree engineering for students interested in cooperative engineering programs with other universities.
teacher preparation for students interested in preparation for a career in secondary education.
engineering physics for students interested in preparation for graduate work in engineering or engineering careers in industry or research.

Courses in physics, mathematics, and chemistry are required for all physics majors. Many physics majors elect to double major in both physics and some other discipline. Also, a student majoring in another field may choose to minor in physics. The minor program requires 20 credits in physics. No grade below C- in physics courses (or substituted courses used to fulfill physics course requirements) is accepted for the major or minor in physics.

Students may take a maximum of four credits total in Internship (Biology/Chemistry/PHYS 292, PHYS 392, PHYS 492) and Research (Biology/Chemistry/PHYS 496) courses for quality points (A, B, C, and D grades). Beyond four credits, such courses must be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.

A student may seek a secondary teaching endorsement in physics. This concentration consists of courses required for a physics major and additional courses in BIOL, EASC, EDUC, SCED, and SPED. Interested students should meet with the Secondary Science Education Program Coordinator for advising on preparation for secondary science teaching.

Civitae Core Requirement (39-40 credits)

Civitae Core Curriculum

Physics majors may count Civitae Core courses satisfying major requirements as also satisfying their respective Civitae Core requirements, up to two Pillar courses and one Perspectives course. (Students pursuing Virginia teaching licensure are not restricted as to the number of courses.) The following major requirements can be used to satisfy Civitae Core requirements:

CHEM 111 satisfies the Scientific Reasoning Pillar requirement

Students without advanced math credit are strongly encouraged to take MATH 164 as the Quantitative Reasoning Pillar requirement, as it is a prerequisite for MATH 261

EDUC 245 satisfies the Human Behavior and Social Institutions Pillar requirement for Teacher Preparation Concentration in Physics

Courses satisfying major requirements that are designated as Core courses subsequent to the print deadline of this Catalog will not appear in the above listings but will be eligible to also satisfy Core requirements, subject to the same rules as the others. (If doing so would otherwise decrease the total credits required for the degree below 120, General Elective credit must be substituted to restore the total.)