Overview

The Applied Physics programme at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is designed to produce graduates with a deep understanding of physical laws and their practical applications. This degree offers a versatile foundation, preparing students for immediate entry into industrial research, technical programming, or advanced graduate studies. By blending fundamental physics with overlapping disciplines, the curriculum ensures students can adapt to various scientific and professional environments.

Why Applied Physics at University of California, Irvine (UCI)?

The Department of Physics and Astronomy provides a flexible academic environment where students can tailor their education to specific career goals. Through mandatory annual meetings with faculty advisors, learners receive personalised guidance to align their course selections with their professional interests. The university offers specialised concentrations in areas such as Biomedical Physics and Engineering Physics, allowing students to bridge the gap between pure science and practical innovation. Furthermore, high-achieving students can participate in departmental honours, engaging in original research projects under faculty supervision.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 56682 per year
National fee: USD 56682 per year
Local fee: USD 19080 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on mathematical methods, theoretical structures, and experimental techniques. Modules may include:

Modern Physics
Classical Mechanics
Electromagnetic Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Statistical Physics
Mathematical Physics
Programming and Numerical Analysis
Thermal Physics
Advanced Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Scientific Writing

Careers with Applied Physics

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse professional paths across multiple sectors. Many find success in industrial research and development, where they apply physical principles to create new technologies. The analytical nature of the degree also prepares students for roles in applications programming, education, and business. Additionally, the rigorous training serves as an excellent gateway into specialised fields such as law, biomedical imaging, or engineering. Those pursuing further education often enter competitive graduate programmes in astronomy, physics, or atmospheric science.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Single-Variable Calculus

Linear Algebra

Mathematical Physics

Modern Physics for Majors

Classical Mechanics

Electromagnetic Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Irvine, United States

Disciplines

Physics View 1437 other Bachelors in Physics in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “a-g” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.

UCI will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. After enrollment, exams may be used for class placement or some graduation requirements.

Personal Insight Questions (your personal insight questions should be exactly that – personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what matters to you, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations. Key points about the personal insight questions include: freshman applicants choose four out of eight questions to answer, each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.)

English proficiency requirements

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Out-of-State

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19080 USD / year

≈ 19080 USD / year

Living costs

Irvine

United States

1560 - 2585 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Irvine

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners