Physics and Astronomy

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The physics curriculum is a flexible curriculum that provides an excellent opportunity for the development of intellectual breadth while also building strong scientific and technical skills.

Choosing Physics at VMI

Our degree programs offer a generous complement of electives, allowing cadets to obtain one or more minors or even to double major in selected cases. We also offer minors in both physics and astronomy for cadets interested in complementing their major with significant training in physics and astronomy.

Cadets interested in majoring in physics or obtaining a minor in either physics or astronomy are encouraged to speak with a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Cadets who are already physics majors should meet regularly with their academic advisors to ensure that their curriculum plan satisfies the institutional and departmental requirements for graduation.

Topics & Outcomes

Physics probes fundamental questions and also serves as a source of key innovations in high technology. At VMI a dedicated faculty train and work with talented students to explore exciting areas of physics and astronomy like…

Lasers and Fiber Optics
Laser Spectroscopy
Observational Astronomy
Thin Films and Nanotechnology
Molecular Spectroscopy
Nuclear Physics

A bachelor’s degree in physics is the gateway to a wide variety of technical careers as well as graduate and professional school opportunities.

Technical careers in the military, nuclear energy, medical physics, and other areas
Careers in secondary education (teaching high school physics)
Graduate study in physics, astrophysics, nuclear engineering, and other related disciplines
Professional school in medicine and law

Society of Physics Students

The Physics and Astronomy Department is fortunate to have a chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS), a professional, national organization designed to coordinate activities, goals, meetings, and other activities for physics students. Membership in SPS is open to college students with an interest in physics. The VMI chapter has approximately 15 members.

The VMI chapter is active in tours of physics-related sites, such as accelerators and research facilities on other campuses, as well as in conferences and meetings. A description of the Society of Physics Students and its covenants and activities can be found at the SPS national website.