Santa Cruz,
CA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
BSc in Physics - Astrophysics in Santa Cruz United States | University of California, Santa Cruz
University of California, Santa Cruz
|
Santa Cruz United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Bachelor Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
50,244
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
48 months
Physics aims to uncover the fundamental principles or laws that shape our universe and utilize these principles to understand both simple and intricate systems. The Physics Department provides degree programs in physics, astrophysics, and applied physics. These curricula equip students for graduate studies in physics, astrophysics, and astronomy, as well as for engineering roles, industrial technical positions, and careers in education. When combined with coursework in other fields, these majors also serve as strong foundations for advanced study in disciplines like biology, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, and the philosophy of science. The applied physics major particularly prepares graduates for immediate entry into industrial roles.
Academic Experience
Astrophysics students and researchers utilize several UCSC facilities, including the Theoretical Astrophysics Santa Cruz (TASC) Institute, University of California Observatories (based at UCSC), and the Supercomputing Laboratory for Undergraduates (SLUG). Nearby Lick Observatory, which houses the first automated planet-hunting telescope, offers additional research possibilities.
Academic and Research Pathways
Degrees offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D., undergraduate minor, and a combined B.S./M.S. program
Physics undergraduates enjoy exceptional access to research opportunities.
Upper-division courses feature diverse laboratory experiences, from astronomical labs where students control UC telescopes to computational labs involving custom code development.
The senior thesis requirement fosters professional collaboration between students and faculty in research settings.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
They require all applicants who attend a school in a country where English is not the native language or whose language of instruction in high school secondary school was not English to adequately demonstrate English competency as a part of the application process In most cases if less than three years of your secondary schooling was with English as the language of instruction you must meet UCSCs English proficiency requirement.
Freshmen may demonstrate competency by submitting scores from one of the following tests Please note that TOEFL IELTS or DET exam scores are preferred but the score from ACT English Language Arts or SAT Writing and Language can also be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Earn a grade point average GPA of 3.00 or better 3.40 or better for a non-resident of California in these courses with no grade lower than a C.
TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test iBT or iBT Home Edition Minimum score of 80 or better Paper-delivered test Minimum score of 60 or better.
IELTS International English Language Testing System Overall band score of 6.5 or higher includes IELTS Indicator Exam.
SAT March 2016 or later Writing Language Test 31 or higher.
SAT prior to March 2016 Writing Exam 560 or higher.
ACT combined English Writing or English Language Arts portion 24 or higher.
AP English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition 3 4 or 5.
IB Standard Level examination in English Literature or Language and Literature 6 or 7.
IB Higher Level examination in English Literature or Language and Literature 5 6 or 7.
Freshmen may demonstrate competency by submitting scores from one of the following tests Please note that TOEFL IELTS or DET exam scores are preferred but the score from ACT English Language Arts or SAT Writing and Language can also be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Earn a grade point average GPA of 3.00 or better 3.40 or better for a non-resident of California in these courses with no grade lower than a C.
TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test iBT or iBT Home Edition Minimum score of 80 or better Paper-delivered test Minimum score of 60 or better.
IELTS International English Language Testing System Overall band score of 6.5 or higher includes IELTS Indicator Exam.
SAT March 2016 or later Writing Language Test 31 or higher.
SAT prior to March 2016 Writing Exam 560 or higher.
ACT combined English Writing or English Language Arts portion 24 or higher.
AP English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition 3 4 or 5.
IB Standard Level examination in English Literature or Language and Literature 6 or 7.
IB Higher Level examination in English Literature or Language and Literature 5 6 or 7.
Tuition
USD
50,244