Department of Physics

College of Humanities and Sciences

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Why study physics?

Studying physics prepares you to perform scientific reasoning and complex problem-solving.

You’ll master the analytical skills needed to take on technical problems in physics, and you’ll have the ability to translate what you know to others, thanks to your sharp communication skills. That could be your launchpad for a career as an automotive engineer, environmental compliance inspector, web developer, high school teacher, regulatory affairs specialist, astrophysicist or any of a number of physics-related jobs.

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News

Sept. 10, 2025

VCU announces recipients of 2025 faculty awards for scholarship, teaching excellence

Interim Provost Beverly J. Warren today announced 30 winners of VCU’s National/International Recognition Awards and 25 winners of the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Awards.

Phillip Glass works with a 3D printer

May 16, 2025

Physics Student Phillip Glass wins CHS Student Award for Excellence in Scholarship

Phillip Glass, a Ph.D. student in the department of Physics has won the Excellence in Scholarship Award that recognizes an individual who has contributed to their field of study. He is working with Prof. Daeha Joung using 3D printing to develop materials that explore mechanosensing, a biological term for the methods the body uses to collect external stimuli and send it to the brain. These materials may allow machines to sense their surroundings using senses that could be analogues to touch and hearing.

A VCU program seeks to introduce and promote physics to local middle and high school students. (Molly Manning, College of Humanities and Sciences)

April 22, 2025

Physics outreach program brings relatable science – and inspiration – to middle school students

Professor Patrick Woodworth and VCU science majors make show-and-tell visits that offer hands-on learning.

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Physics Spotlight

Raven Witherspoon

Meet Raven

A high school summer program at NASA Langley sparked Raven Witherspoon's interest in studying physics. Learn more about her favorite classes, favorite professors and recent internship in the nuclear energy field.

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Professor Puru Jena stands in front of a whiteboard during a classroom lecture

Fast track to a master's degree

Earn your B.S. in physics and M.S. in physics and applied physics in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of your undergraduate program.

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the college of humanities and sciences stem building on the v.c.u. campus

Study in our new STEM building

The new facility features a variety of unique learning environments for physics students, including six physics laboratories, with one dedicated to astronomy.

Take a virtual tour