Overview

Physics from University of California, Santa Cruz prepares students for graduate work in physics, astrophysics and astronomy, for engineering and other technical positions in industry, and for careers in education.

With appropriate courses in other disciplines, these majors provide excellent preparation for advanced study in technical subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, and the philosophy of science. The applied physics major is excellent preparation for positions in industry directly upon graduation.

Careers

Business and industry

Computer hardware and software

Education

Engineering

Professional schools

Patent law

Physics research

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Modern Physics

Mathematical Methods in Physics

Mechanics

Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-07-31 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2026-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-31 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2026-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

Duolingo English Test

115

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Physics View 1466 other Bachelors in Physics in United States

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of California, Santa Cruz and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

50244 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 50244 USD per year during 48 months.
National

50244 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 50244 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

16044 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 16044 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Santa Cruz

1710 - 2560 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Physics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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