Bachelor of Arts in Physics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Virginia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics at the University of Virginia provides a flexible foundation in physical science, combining core physics and mathematics with opportunities to explore how scientific principles apply to medicine, technology, business and other fields. It is particularly suited to students who want to develop analytical and problem-solving skills while keeping pathways open to professional school, interdisciplinary careers or further study in physics.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish a foundation in mathematics and physics through Calculus I and II (MATH 131 and MATH 132) and an introductory physics sequence. Depending on their preparation and degree pathway, students may begin with Physics 151 and 152 or the Classical and Modern Physics sequence, building their understanding of mechanics, energy, waves and fundamental physical principles.

Second Year: Students continue into more advanced physics and mathematics through Physics 251 and 252 and the associated laboratory courses Physics 221 and 222, or the alternative Physics 231 and 232 sequence with Physics 231L and 232L. These courses cover topics such as electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, relativity and introductory quantum physics, strengthening students' theoretical and experimental foundations.

Third Year: Students progress into upper-level physics courses, selecting from approved 300-level subjects according to their interests and prerequisites. Options may include Widely Applied Physics I and II (PHYS 311 and PHYS 312), which connect physics principles with applications in electronics, materials, medical imaging, communications and aeronautics.

Fourth Year: Students complete the remaining upper-level physics requirements and any outstanding degree requirements. Those seeking more advanced theoretical preparation may consider the Distinguished Major course sequence, which includes courses such as Classical Mechanics (PHYS 321), Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS 331) and Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 355 and PHYS 356), subject to the applicable program requirements.

Focus Areas

Classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, modern physics, applied physics, electronics, materials science, medical physics, communications technology, aeronautics, mathematical physics and experimental research.

Learning Outcomes

Apply fundamental physical principles to solve scientific problems, use mathematics to analyse physical systems, interpret experimental results, develop quantitative and critical-thinking skills, understand practical applications of physics, communicate scientific concepts effectively and prepare for further study or interdisciplinary careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.A. in Physics develops transferable scientific, analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to technical and professional careers. The University of Virginia's published program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Virginia's Physics Department supports research in theoretical and experimental physics and provides undergraduate opportunities for independent study with faculty members. The university's program information highlights physics graduates' preparation for professional schools, including medicine and law, as well as careers in education, business and science. A specific employability ranking or verified graduate employment rate for the B.A. in Physics is not stated in the available program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Virginia (UVA) combines physics coursework with laboratory investigations, computational work and independent study opportunities. The B.A. in Physics offers flexibility for students interested in applying scientific knowledge to medicine, business, education, law and technology. Students can strengthen practical skills through laboratory courses, computer-based analysis and faculty-guided research projects.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Intermediate Physics Laboratory: Develop practical skills in experimental measurement, instrumentation, data analysis and scientific investigation.
Computational Physics: Learn to use computational techniques to solve physics problems and model physical systems.
Independent Study and Research: Work closely with a faculty member on a research or laboratory project, applying concepts from coursework to a focused scientific question.
Widely Applied Physics (PHYS 311 and PHYS 312): Explore how physics principles apply to electronics, communications, materials science, medical imaging, aeronautics and other modern technologies.
Departmental Computer Facilities: Access computing resources and computer-based exercises supporting scientific analysis and computational work.
Undergraduate Physics Laboratories: Build practical knowledge through laboratory activities connected with introductory and intermediate physics courses.
Physics Library and Study Facilities: Use departmental academic resources and study spaces to support coursework and independent learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Physics at UVA provides a broad scientific education suited to students who want to combine physics with other academic or professional interests. Graduates may pursue roles such as laboratory technician, research assistant, scientific communications specialist or data analyst, depending on their experience and additional qualifications.

Students can explore the following career-development opportunities:

Career Services: UVA's career support services provide career counselling, resume and interview preparation, job-search resources and employer engagement opportunities.
Research Experience: Independent study and faculty collaboration can help students build research skills, obtain academic references and prepare for graduate or professional programs.
Interdisciplinary Preparation: The program's flexible structure can support students interested in healthcare, education, business, law and technology, subject to additional prerequisites for their chosen pathway.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: The official program information does not specify a degree-specific graduate employment rate or salary figure.
Professional Accreditation: The B.A. develops transferable analytical and scientific skills, but the official program page does not identify a separate professional accreditation for the degree.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue employment or further study, with opportunities shaped by their selected courses, research experience and additional qualifications.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics or related scientific disciplines if they meet the relevant admission requirements. Those interested in interdisciplinary study may consider applied physics, materials science, computational science or other fields that build on their quantitative background. Students planning to enter medicine, law, education or business can also pursue the relevant professional or postgraduate qualifications, completing any required prerequisites.