B.S. in Physics
Harrisonburg, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 6,434 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission
** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Key Summary
Physics is the study of the laws of nature that describe the universe we see around us.
At JMU, our physics majors have the opportunity to customize their degree programs to suit their interests and career goals. We offer courses that focus on multiple facets of physics, including materials science, computational physics, electronics, and applied nuclear physics. Students are strongly urged to conduct research projects with our faculty, and often present research at professional conferences and produce co-authored publications. Additionally, there are multiple opportunities within the physics and astronomy department for paid research experience.
Physics is the study of the laws of nature that describe the universe we see around us and the relationship of energy and matter. This includes the study of nature on every scale from the smallest subatomic particles to the evolution of the universe itself. The study of physics is more than the pursuit of basic scientific knowledge. It is the development of a way of thinking about problems whether learning what is inside a proton or how to use knowledge from biology, chemistry or geology to solve an interesting practical problem.
In this major, students will be immersed in a program that integrates a comprehensive classroom curriculum with extensive hands-on experience working in research laboratories with our faculty. Students have opportunities to work both on campus and at national and international facilities to conduct research in nuclear physics and astronomy and use state-of-the-art equipment on campus in materials, computational physics and non-linear dynamics.
Required Courses
- General Education 34 Credit Hours 1,2
- Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education) 0 Credit Hours 2
- Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education) 0 Credit Hours 2
- University electives 0-19 Credit Hours
- Major core requirements (listed below) 43 Credit Hours 2
- Major program concentration requirements 24-44 Credit Hours
Footnotes
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 Some major core courses simultaneously satisfy degree and some General Education requirements so that a student need not take more than 120 credit hours to satisfy graduation requirements. The quantitative (3 credit hours), scientific literacy (3-4 credit hours) and part of the General Education Cluster 3 (7 credit hours) requirements are fulfilled with major core courses reducing those three categories by 13-14 credit hours.
Major Core Requirements Required Courses: 43 Credit Hours
Shared core requirements for all B.S. physics majors.
- PHYS 105. Foundations of Physics Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 140. College Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
or - PHYS 240. University Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 140L. General Physics Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
or - PHYS 240L. University Physics Laboratory I [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 150. College Physics II Credits: 3.00
or - PHYS 250. University Physics II Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 150L. General Physics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
or - PHYS 250L. University Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 260. University Physics III Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 270. Modern Physics Credits: 3.00 and
- PHYS 270L. Modern Physics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 340. Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 350. Electricity and Magnetism Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 132. General Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 132L. General Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- MATH 235. Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 4.00
- MATH 236. Calculus II Credits: 4.00
- MATH 237. Calculus III Credits: 4.00
Physics B.S. Concentrations
Each student, in consultation with their faculty adviser, will choose one of the following program concentrations.
Applied Physics Concentration
The applied physics concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in a wide variety of scientific areas including laboratory and industrial settings. Students are strongly encouraged to complete at least one of six areas of interest for completion of degree requirements: applied nuclear physics, computational physics, materials physics, electronics and instrumentation, geophysics, and biophysics.
All students in the applied physics concentration must complete the following courses:
Applied Physics Concentration Required Courses (in addition to core requirements): 16-19 Credit Hours
- CS 149. Introduction to Programming Credits: 3.00
or - MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms Credits: 4.00
- MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations Credits: 4.00
or - MATH 300. Linear Algebra Credits: 3.00 and
- MATH 336. Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 344. Advanced Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 345. Advanced Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 346. Advanced Physics Laboratory III Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 360. Analog Electronics Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 391. Seminar Credits: 0.00 - 1.00 (PHYS 391 must be taken for 0.00 credit hours)
- PHYS 392. Seminar Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 491. Seminar Credits: 0.00 - 1.00 (PHYS 491 must be taken for 0.00 credit hours)
- PHYS 492. Seminar Credits: 1.00
Choose from the following research courses: 2-6 Credit Hours
At least two credits must come from research courses.1 (All students must take a minimum of 2 credits. Honors students completing the thesis take 6 credits).
- PHYS 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 (PHYS 398 is repeatable to 4 credits)
or - ASTR 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 (ASTR 398 is repeatable to 4 credits)
- PHYS 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (PHYS 498R is repeatable to 6 credits)
or - ASTR 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (ASTR 498R is repeatable to 6 credits)
- ISCI 450A. Interscience Research Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (ISCI 450A is repeatable to 6 credits)
- PHYS 499. Honors Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 1 (PHYS 499 is repeatable)
Footnote
1 Students completing honors theses should take PHYS 499 in both the fall and spring semesters of their senior year for a total of 6 credit hours. Alternatively, students could complete their theses over three semesters (spring of junior year, fall and spring of senior year, with two credits of PHYS 499 each semester, for a total of 6 credit hours).
Additional courses approved by the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy: 9 Credit Hours
Ideally, these courses should form a coherent set of courses for the best possible academic experience. See below for some suggestions.
Suggested areas of interest to complete the 9 credit hours required (minimum)
To satisfy the requirement of at least 9 additional credit hours approved by the department head, students are strongly encouraged to select their courses from one of the coherent sets of courses to round out their academic experience. Below are suggested areas of interest.
Applied Nuclear Physics Courses
- PHYS 339. Introductory Nuclear Science Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 460. Quantum Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 333. Introduction to Particle Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 338. Nuclear Physics Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 450. Nuclear and Radiation Chemistry Credits: 3.00
Biophysics Courses
- PHYS 326. Biophysics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 364. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 390. Computer Applications in Physics Credits: 3.00
- BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 140L. Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- BIO 150. Foundations of Biology II Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 150L. Foundations of Biology II Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- BIO 361. Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00
or - CHEM 361. Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00
- BIO 490. Mechanics of Animal Movement Credits: 4.00
- CHEM 241. Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 242. Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 242L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 2.00
Computational Physics Courses
Students pursuing this area of interest should declare a minor in mathematics.
- PHYS 341. Non-Linear Dynamics and Chaos Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 364. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics Credits: 4.00
or - MATH 364. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 367. Introduction to Acoustics Credits: 3.00
or - MATH 367. Introduction to Acoustics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 390. Computer Applications in Physics Credits: 3.00
- Electronics and Instrumentation Courses
- PHYS 295. Laboratory Apparatus Design and Construction Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 371. Digital Electronics Credits: 2.00
- PHYS 372. Microcontrollers and Their Applications (2, 4) Credits: 2.00
- PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 386. Robots: Structure and Theory Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 387. Theory and Basic Principles of Mobile Robot Construction and Control Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 388. Robots for Humanity Credits: 3.00
Geophysics Courses
- Any 300- or 400-level GEOL or PHYS course not listed below (with adviser’s approval)
- PHYS 337. Solid State Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 381. Materials Characterization (Lecture/Lab) Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 440. Geophysics (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
or - GEOL 440. Geophysics (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- ASTR 220. General Astronomy I: The Night Sky, the Solar System and Stars Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 110. Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
- GEOL 110L. Physical Geology Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- GEOL 210. Applied Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- GEOG 215. Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Cartography Credits: 3.00
- GEOG 216. Earth Observation and GPS Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 280. Mineralogy (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 300. Introduction to Petrology (3, 3) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 307. Planetary Geology (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 365. Structural Geology Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 399. Field Geology Credits: 3.00 - 6.00
- GEOL 442. Field Geophysics Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 460. Hydrogeology (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
Materials Physics Courses
- PHYS 337. Solid State Physics Credits: 3.00
and one of the following:
- PHYS 375. An Introduction to Materials Science Credits: 3.00
or - CHEM 375. An Introduction to Materials Science Credits: 3.00
or - MATS 375. An Introduction to Materials Science Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 381. Materials Characterization (Lecture/Lab) Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 420. Modern Optics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 455. Lasers and Their Applications to Physical Sciences Credits: 3.00
or - CHEM 455. Lasers and Their Applications to Physical Sciences Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 485. Science of the Small Credits: 4.00
or - PHYS 485. Science of the Small Credits: 4.00
Suggested Minors
Students pursuing the Applied Physics Concentration are encouraged to consider the following minors as being particularly effective at augmenting a degree in physics:
- Astronomy Minor
- General Business Minor
- Computer Science Minor
- Geophysics Minor
- Materials Science Minor
- Robotics Minor
- Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication Minor (physics majors in this minor are encouraged to take WRTC 316 and WRTC 350 to fulfill electives)
Fundamental Studies Concentration
The fundamental studies concentration is designed to prepare students for immediate post-baccalaureate employment or for entrance to advanced study in physics or related areas.
Fundamental Studies Concentration Required Courses (in addition to core requirements): 23-24 Credit Hours
- CS 149. Introduction to Programming Credits: 3.00
or - MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms Credits: 4.00
- MATH 300. Linear Algebra Credits: 3.00
- MATH 336. Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 344. Advanced Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 345. Advanced Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 346. Advanced Physics Laboratory III Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 360. Analog Electronics Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 460. Quantum Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 491. Seminar Credits: 0.00 - 1.00 (PHYS 491 must be taken for 0.00 credit hours)
- PHYS 492. Seminar Credits: 1.00
Choose among the following electives (if not enrolled in PHYS 499): 3-4 Credit Hours
- PHYS 330. Relativity Credits: 4.00
or - ASTR 330. Relativity Credits: 4.00
- ASTR 480. Astrophysics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 333. Introduction to Particle Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 337. Solid State Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 338. Nuclear Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 420. Modern Optics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 482. Advanced Theoretical Physics Credits: 3.00
Choose one of the following research courses: 2-6 Credit Hours
Need a minimum of two credit hours of research from this area.1 (All students must take a minimum of 2 credits. Honors students completing the thesis take 6 credits).
- PHYS 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 (PHYS 398 is repeatable to 4 credits)
or - ASTR 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 (ASTR 398 is repeatable to 4 credits)
- PHYS 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (PHYS 498R is repeatable to 6 credits)
or - ASTR 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (ASTR 498R is repeatable to 6 credits)
- ISCI 450A. Interscience Research Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (ISCI 450A is repeatable to 6 credits)
- PHYS 499. Honors Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 1 (PHYS 499 is repeatable)
Footnote
1 Students completing honors theses should take PHYS 499 in both the fall and spring semesters of their senior year for a total of 6 credit hours. Alternatively students could complete their theses over three semesters (spring of junior year, fall and spring of senior year, with two credits of PHYS 499 each semester, for a total of 6 credit hours).
Individual Option Concentration
The individual option is a course of studies chosen specifically to match the interest and career plans of the student. This option will allow custom-designed cross-disciplinary majors such as chemical physics, as well as majors designed for students whose educational and career goals are not met by the existing concentrations in the major.
A student electing the individual option must complete the core requirements for the B.S. in physics and will select a program consisting of a coherent collection of a minimum of 25 additional credits of physics courses numbered above 270, astronomy courses numbered above 301, and courses in related fields.
This individualized program must be selected in consultation with a faculty adviser in the department and must be approved by that adviser, the department head, and one other faculty member in the department. The student needs to declare this concentration at least three semesters prior to graduation.
The individualized program, as approved by the department and accepted by the student, becomes the major requirement for that student.
Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty adviser.
Multidisciplinary Concentrations
The multidisciplinary concentrations are designed to provide a solid foundation in physics for students whose interests extend beyond traditional physics fields. The track of secondary education opens doors to the pursuit of graduate degrees in education and other career paths requiring a technical background.
The following are also required for all multidisciplinary concentrations:
Multidisciplinary Concentration Required Courses: 11-13 Credit Hours
- MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations Credits: 4.00
or - MATH 300. Linear Algebra Credits: 3.00 and
- MATH 336. Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 344. Advanced Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 345. Advanced Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 391. Seminar Credits: 0.00 - 1.00 (PHYS 391 must be taken for 0.00 credit hours)
- PHYS 392. Seminar Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 491. Seminar Credits: 0.00 - 1.00 (PHYS 491 must be taken for 0.00 credit hours)
- PHYS 492. Seminar Credits: 1.00
Choose from the following research courses: 2-6 Credit Hours
(All students must take a minimum of 2 credits. Honors students completing the thesis take 6 credits). 1
- PHYS 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 (PHYS 398 is repeatable to 4 credits)
or - ASTR 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 (ASTR 398 is repeatable to 4 credits)
- PHYS 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (PHYS 498R is repeatable to 6 credits)
or - ASTR 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (ASTR 498R is repeatable to 6 credits)
- ISCI 450A. Interscience Research Credits: 1.00 - 4.00 (ISCI 450A is repeatable to 6 credits)
- PHYS 499. Honors Credits: 1.00 - 3.00 1 (PHYS 499 is repeatable)
Footnote
1 Students completing honors theses should take PHYS 499 in both the fall and spring semesters of their senior year for a total of six credit hours. Alternatively students could complete their theses over three semesters (spring of junior year, fall and spring of senior year, with two credits of PHYS 499 each semester, for a total of 6 credit hours).
Multidisciplinary Astrophysics Concentration Requirements: 18 credit hours
- ASTR 220. General Astronomy I: The Night Sky, the Solar System, and Stars Credits: 3.00
- ASTR 221. General Astronomy II: Star Systems, the Interstellar Medium, and Cosmology Credits: 4.00
- ASTR 320. Astronomical Techniques Credits: 3.00
- MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 491. Seminar Credits: 0.00 - 1.00 (PHYS 491 must be taken for 0.00 credit hours)
- PHYS 492. Seminar Credits: 1.00
Choose Among the Following Electives (if not enrolled in PHYS 499) 3-4 Credit Hours
- ASTR 330. Relativity Credits: 4.00
Or - PHYS 330. Relativity Credits: 4.00
- ASTR 480. Astrophysics Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 307. Planetary Geology (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 333. Introduction to Particle Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 338. Nuclear Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 420. Modern Optics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 460. Quantum Mechanics Credits: 3.00
Choose One of the Following Research Courses: 2 - 6 Credit Hours
Need a minimum of two credit hours of research in this area.1 (All students must take a minimum of 2 credits. Honors students completing the thesis take 6 credits).
- ASTR 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- Or
PHYS 398. Independent Study in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- ASTR 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00
Or - PHYS 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy Credits: 1.00 - 4.00
- ISCI 450A. Interscience Research Credits: 1.00 - 4.00
- PHYS 499. Honors Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
Footnote
1 Students completing honors theses should take PHYS 499 in both the fall and spring semesters of their senior year for a total of 6 credit hours. Alternatively, students could complete their theses over three semesters (spring of junior year, fall and spring of senior year, with two credits of PHYS 499 each semester, for a total of 6 credit hours).
Multidisciplinary Biophysics Concentration Requirements (in addition to core required courses) 11-19 Credit Hours
Required Courses:
- PHYS 326. Biophysics Credits: 3.00
- BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 140L. Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
Complete one of the following options
- Option 1:
- BIO 150. Foundations of Biology II Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 150L. Foundations of Biology II Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- BIO 240. Genetics Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 240L. Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- BIO 370. Animal Physiology Credits: 4.00
- Option 2:
- BIO 150. Foundations of Biology II Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 150L. Foundations of Biology II Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- BIO 490. Mechanics of Animal Movement Credits: 4.00
- Option 3:
- BIO 445. Neurobiology Credits: 4.00
- Option 4:
- CHEM 241. Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 242. Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3.00 and
- CHEM 242L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 2.00
- CHEM 361. Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00
or - BIO 361. Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00
Multidisciplinary Business Concentration Requirements (in addition to core required courses) 21-25 Credit Hours
No more than 27 hours may be taken in the College of Business.
- ACTG 244. Accounting for Non-Business Majors Credits: 3.00
- CIS 204. Computer Information Systems Fundamentals for Non-Business Majors Credits: 3.00
- ECON 201. Introduction to Microeconomics Credits: 3.00
- FIN 345. Finance Fundamentals for Non-Business Majors Credits: 3.00
- MGT 305. Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Credits: 3.00
- MKTG 380. Principles of Marketing Credits: 3.00
Multidisciplinary Geophysics Concentration Requirements (in addition to core required courses) 21-25 Credit Hours
- Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
- GEOL 110. Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 210. Applied Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- Choose one of the following: 3-4 Credit Hours
- ASTR 220. General Astronomy I: The Night Sky, the Solar System and Stars Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 307. Planetary Geology (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 365. Structural Geology Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 440. Geophysics (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
or - PHYS 440. Geophysics (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- At least three credits from a field- or geographic-based course: 3-6 Credit Hours
- GEOG 215. Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Cartography Credits: 3.00
- GEOG 216. Earth Observation and GPS Credits: 3.00
- GEOL 399. Field Geology Credits: 3.00 - 6.00
- GEOL 442. Field Geophysics Credits: 3.00
- At least nine credits from the following: 9 Credit Hours
- GEOL 280. Mineralogy (3, 2) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 300. Introduction to Petrology (3, 3) Credits: 4.00
- GEOL 460. Hydrogeology (2, 2) Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 337. Solid State Physics Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 360. Analog Electronics Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 381. Materials Characterization (Lecture/Lab) Credits: 3.00
- Any other 300- or 400-level geology or physics course (Upon approval from adviser): 3 Credit Hours
Multidisciplinary Technical and Scientific Communication (TSC) Concentration Requirements (in addition to core required courses) 24 Credit Hours
- ASTR 480. Astrophysics Credits: 3.00
- WRTC 300. Professional Editing Credits: 3.00
- WRTC 318. Intercultural Professional Communication Credits: 3.00
- WRTC 350. Foundations of Technical Communication Credits: 3.00
- Choose Six Credits: 6 Credit Hours
- Physics courses numbered above 300
- Choose Six Credits: 6 Credit Hours
- WRTC 301. Language, Law and Ethics Credits: 3.00
- WRTC 318. Intercultural Professional Communication Credits: 3.00
- WRTC 458. Scientific and Medical Communication Credits: 3.00
- Other upper-level courses with permission
Physics and Engineering Combined Program Concentration
This dual degree program makes it possible for the student to earn a B.S. degree in physics from JMU and a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Virginia. The engineering areas available under this program include biomedical, environmental, transportation, materials science, systems engineering, and engineering physics.
During the first three years at JMU, the student must complete 96 credit hours including all JMU General Education requirements, the physics core requirements, MATH 248 or CS 149, and at least eight additional credit hours in physics courses designated by the JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy with at least a “B+” average. In general, these eight additional hours will be chosen from those recommended for the applied physics concentration, but substitutions may be approved by the program adviser, Sean Scully. During the fourth year of study (when the student will be in residence at the University of Virginia), the student will take further courses approved by the JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy for credit toward the Bachelor of Science degree in physics. A total of 24 credit hours of physics or other physics-related courses taken at either school will be required for the JMU Bachelor of Science degree in physics. For further information, consult the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Additional Upper-Level Courses (required for the combined program): 5-6 Credit Hours
- CS 149. Introduction to Programming Credits: 3.00
or - MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 344. Advanced Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 345. Advanced Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
Recommended Schedule for Physics Majors, B.S.
First Year
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 132. General Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 132L. General Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- MATH 235. Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 4.00
- MATH 236. Calculus II Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 105. Foundations of Physics Credits: 1.00
- General Education courses Credits / Units: 9.00
Choose one of the following pairs of courses: 6 Credit Hours
- PHYS 140. College Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00 and
- PHYS 150. College Physics II Credits: 3.00
or - PHYS 240. University Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00 and
- PHYS 250. University Physics II Credits: 3.00
Choose one of the following pairs of laboratory courses: 2 Credit Hours
- PHYS 140L. General Physics Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00 and
- PHYS 150L. General Physics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
or - PHYS 240L. University Physics Laboratory I [C3L] Credits: 1.00 and
- PHYS 250L. University Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
Second Year
Applied Physics, Multidisciplinary, and Physics and Engineering Combined Program Concentrations
MATH 237. Calculus III Credits: 4.00
- MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations Credits: 4.00
or - MATH 300. Linear Algebra Credits: 3.00 and
- MATH 336. Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 260. University Physics III Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 270. Modern Physics Credits: 3.00 and
- PHYS 270L. Modern Physics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- CS 149. Introduction to Programming Credits: 3.00
or - MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms Credits: 4.00
- General Education courses Credits / Units: 11.00-15.00
Fundamental Studies Second Year
- CS 149. Introduction to Programming Credits: 3.00
- MATH 237. Calculus III Credits: 4.00
- MATH 300. Linear Algebra Credits: 3.00
- MATH 336. Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 260. University Physics III Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 270. Modern Physics Credits: 3.00 and
- PHYS 270L. Modern Physics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- General Education courses Credits / Units: 11.00-15.00
Individual Option Second Year
- MATH 237. Calculus III Credits: 4.00
- MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations Credits: 4.00
or - MATH 300. Linear Algebra Credits: 3.00 and
- MATH 336. Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3.00
- MATH 248. Computers and Numerical Algorithms Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques II Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 260. University Physics III Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 270. Modern Physics Credits: 3.00 and
- PHYS 270L. Modern Physics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- General Education courses Credits / Units: 11.00-15.00
Third and Fourth Years
During their junior and senior years, students will select courses to complete the specific program concentration which they are following. These course selections will be made with the assistance of a faculty adviser.
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.
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Who Employs Graduates?
Aeronautic Firms, Airports, Colleges and Universities, Computer Service & Software Firms, Consulting Firms, Electric Companies, Energy Systems Firms, Engineering Firms, Environmental Protection Agencies, Federal Contractors, Federal, State and Local Governments, such as NASA, Industrial Production, Inspection Agencies, Mining & Petroleum Firms, Pharmaceutical & Medical Research Companies, Research & Development Laboratories, Telecommunication Companies and Waste Management Firms.
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.
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