Physics Program
No longer accepting new students as of July 2026
Some of our physics students, faculty, alumni, and family serve as eclipse ambassadors in North Carolina, August 2017.
Studying Physics at Roanoke faithfully combines the "What?" of the physical world (matter, energy, and space-time) with the "Who?" of the individual (identity, community, and creativity). The Physics Group at Roanoke College is a nationally-recognized community of both faculty and students who solve real-world research problems while also introducing the responsibilities of scientific literacy for the public.
Why study physics at Roanoke?
- Community Within. Physics at Roanoke offers close-knit community, challenging coursework and the opportunity for genuine scientific investigation.
- Connections Without. Physics impacts discoveries in astronomy, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, geology and biology. Students are encouraged to pursue meaningful connections across the curriculum.
- Purposeful Exploration. Whether you are a first-year student or an upper-level major, research opportunities under outstanding faculty mentors are plentiful. As a student researcher, you would receive credit and/or funding for completing research projects. Ways to explore physics firsthand:
- Research - Independent Study - Internships - Intensive Learning
What's next?
- Taking Courses. If you are a current student then the next step involves taking a course. There are a wide variety of courses, depending on your year and whether you have a major. Below are the program requirements for the Physics major and Physics minor.
- After Graduation. Graduates in physics prosper in the employment market and graduate school programs-with recent students going on to excel in engineering, computer science, law and of course, physics. Learn more.