Physics

The Physics Bachelor's Degree Program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles governing the universe. Designed for those passionate about understanding the nature of matter, energy, space, and time, this program provides a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical concepts with practical laboratory experience. Students engage with core topics such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics, fostering both analytical and problem-solving skills applicable across numerous scientific and technological fields. The program emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and experimental techniques, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, engineering, data science, and other STEM areas. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research opportunities with faculty, and a vibrant academic community that encourages innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The curriculum also includes advanced courses in condensed matter physics, astrophysics, particle physics, and computational physics, allowing for specialization based on individual interests and career goals. Furthermore, the program promotes the development of communication skills necessary for effective dissemination of scientific ideas, through seminars, presentations, and written reports. Graduates of the Physics program are well-equipped to pursue graduate studies or enter the workforce as physicists, engineers, technical analysts, or science educators. The university’s strong connections with national laboratories and research institutions provide valuable internship and job placement opportunities, ensuring students gain real-world experience during their studies. With a dedicated faculty of renowned physicists and a supportive academic environment, the UC Physics program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists who will contribute to advancing our understanding of the physical world and addressing some of the most pressing scientific challenges of our time.

Ten courses (36 units) are required for the M.S. degree. The following six core courses must be included to satisfy this requirement: Physics 210A-210B, 220, 221A-221B, 215A. Other courses may be substituted in special cases with approval of the Faculty Graduate Adviser.

The material in these six core courses represents the body of knowledge tested on the written comprehensive examination. Core courses must be taken during the first year of graduate study and for a letter grade (a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 is required in core courses). All first-year students must enroll in Physics 293, a weekly colloquium meeting, and are required to participate in Physics 201Q, the survey of modern physics research areas, to be counted toward the ten required courses. The remaining two courses of the minimum ten courses required may be satisfied through upper division or graduate courses in physics or a related field, which are acceptable to the department for credit toward the M.S. degree, with the restriction that no more than eight units may be chosen from Physics 596 and/or seminar courses. Physics 597 and 598 may not be applied toward course requirements for the M.S. degree.

Capstone Plan

Students are required to pass the written comprehensive examination at the master's level. This level is determined by the Comprehensive Examination Committee for each examination session. If students fail to pass the examination at the master's level, they may take it a second time the next session it is given. For more detailed information, see Written and Oral Qualifying Examinations under Doctoral Degree.

Thesis Plan

Every master's degree thesis plan requires the completion of an approved thesis that demonstrates the student's ability to perform original, independent research.

Although the department operates under the comprehensive examination plan rather than the thesis plan, arrangements can usually be made for students to write a master's thesis, provided they have a particularly interesting subject and provided a professor is willing to undertake the guidance of their project. In this case, students must petition the committee of graduate advisers for permission to pursue the thesis plan. If the petition is approved, the comprehensive examination is waived.

Time-to-Degree

Upon admission to graduate status, full-time students who are taking a course load which is standard for the program should complete the program in approximately four quarters.

Requirements

An applicant for admission must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must have the necessary academic preparation to participate successfully in graduate level courses.

The applicant must also be able to score competitively on the GRE Subject (advanced) test in Physics.

The Department only considers graduate applications for the fall quarter. Applications are evaluated only when all of the materials listed below are received. We require:

• Online graduate admissions application.
• A statement of purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation: enter names & information of recommenders in the online application; they will receive an email with link to upload their letter. If letters have already been mailed, enter names of recommenders online or the application will not be considered complete for submission.
• One set of official transcripts: although you may upload unofficial copies with the application (for application review purposes), official transcripts are also required. These should be sent to UCLA Department of Physics & Astronomy, Graduate Office, 430 Portola Plaza, Box 951547, Los Angeles CA 90095-1547.
• GRE Physics and GRE general scores: request official report from ETS, UCLA institution code 4837, Physics Department/major code 0808 / Astro 0801. We will accept GRE scores from tests taken within the last 5 years. If the test was taken multiple times, enter the most recent scores on the online application.
• TOEFL/IELTS scores (international). Request official report from ETS Physics Deptartment/major code: 76 / Astro 61. We will accept TOEFL scores from tests taken within the last 2 years. Acceptable scores include: TOEFL: 570 (paper), 230 (computer), TOEFL IBT: 88, IELTS: 7.0. Send TOEFL scores to the department and IELTS scores to both the Department & Grad Division:
  • UCLA Department of Physics & Astronomy, Graduate Office, 430 Portola Plaza, Box 951547, Los Angeles CA 90095-1547 
  • UCLA Graduate Admissions Student & Academic Affairs, 1255 Murphy Hall Box 951428, Los Angeles CA 90095-1428.
• Fellowship application: we encourage all U.S. citizens and permanent residents to submit the fellowship application.
• Deadline to submit application is December 15. Scores and letters should reach us by the first week in January. Note: only the required application application items will be evaluated. Do not mail or upload any other supplemental documents or any duplicates of uploaded application items.

Scholarships

• Awards for Incoming Graduate Students
• Assistantships: Academic Apprentice Personnel (AAP)
• Readers & Special Readers
• Merit Based Awards through the Graduate Division

The University of California offers a comprehensive Physics undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics. The curriculum covers fundamental areas such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Students have opportunities to engage in advanced coursework and research projects, fostering a deeper understanding of modern physics principles and applications. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, equipping students with practical skills in data analysis, instrumentation, and scientific communication. Many courses incorporate computational physics, reflecting the increasing importance of software in physics research. The faculty comprises renowned researchers who often involve undergraduates in cutting-edge projects across various fields, including astrophysics, condensed matter physics, particle physics, and biophysics. The department encourages interdisciplinary approaches and offers specializations to tailor the undergraduate experience, such as computational physics, biophysics, or physics for future educators. Students can also participate in internships, summer research programs, and collaborative projects with national laboratories and research institutions, enhancing their practical experience and employment prospects. The UC physics program prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including academia, industry, engineering, data science, and science communication. Additionally, the program supports graduate studies, with many alumni continuing to master's and Ph.D. programs both within UC and at other leading institutions worldwide. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, departmental resources, and active research community create an environment conducive to academic excellence and innovation. Overall, UC's physics program aims to cultivate curious, capable scientists who are well-equipped to contribute to scientific advancement and technological development.