BSc in Physics in Riverside United States | University of California, Riverside

Our department provides multiple programs for earning B.S. and B.A. degrees in physics. Our degree programs aim to educate students not just in physics knowledge, but also in problem-solving skills and contributing to new discoveries.
With diverse course options and state-of-the-art facilities in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, along with personalized faculty guidance, students receive a comprehensive and adaptable physics education. Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to engage in research during their time at UCR, as this practical experience proves invaluable for their professional futures. In 2009, 57% of graduates collaborated with faculty on research projects.
The foundational curriculum starts with Physics 39, a freshman seminar that explores physics careers and research while outlining expectations for the major. It concludes with Physics 142L, an advanced lab course featuring extensive equipment and open-ended experiments where students synthesize and expand their accumulated knowledge.
A distinctive aspect of our program is the 24-unit introductory sequence, Physics 41ABC, tailored for physics majors and recommended for freshman year. This accelerated series prepares students for upper-division coursework, research opportunities, and academic success. All physics degrees share core requirements, typically finished by junior year, allowing flexibility for elective courses aligned with individual interests.
We offer both B.A. and B.S. physics degrees.
The B.A. suits students pursuing liberal arts backgrounds for careers in law, business, or policy, where physics training benefits fields like patent law, tech management, or technology policy.
The B.S. program includes multiple specializations:
Both the Standard and Applied Physics/Engineering tracks prepare students for graduate studies in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering. The Applied Physics track also caters to those seeking STEM careers immediately after graduation, with options to focus on computer science or engineering. Students may also pursue a Math minor by completing 24 upper-division units in courses like Math 113 or 146ABC.
The Biophysics specialization is designed for students aiming for medical school, health professions, or graduate studies in Bioengineering, Biophysics, or Environmental Physics.