Introduction to the Major
Physics(link is external) is the study of the universe, from the very large (star formation, cosmic microwave background radiation) to the very small (nanotechnology, atomic cooling and trapping, string theory), and everything in between (biophysics, and the physics of solid state devices).
Students studying physics develop strong mathematical and analytical skills, good laboratory skills, effective written and oral communication skills, and a solid understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the universe.
The Undergraduate Program
Our undergraduate program begins with courses designed to help you build a strong foundation, regardless of your prior background in physics. Upper division work deepens your understanding of the basics while introducing more modern and advanced topics. The program culminates in our upper division lab course, where you have a unique opportunity among physics departments nationwide to choose from many different experiments, ranging from classic Nobel Prize winning work (e.g., Optical Pumping or the Mossbauer Effect), to areas of current research interest (nonlinear dynamics and laser manipulation of atoms, among others).
Amplify Your Major
- Join a Physics student organization(link is external) to help build community and foster leadership.
- Transfer students: enroll in PHYSICS 153(link is external) to connect to resources at Cal.
- Pursue opportunities for research(link is external) with faculty and peers.
- Write an honors thesis(link is external) or execute an independent study project.
- Add a Teaching Concentration to your major and join CalTeach(link is external) to prepare for a career in education.
We believe a Physics degree represents strong training for a broad range of careers. Approximately half of our recent graduates have continued to graduate school in Physics and related fields; others have taken jobs in high tech industries or as management consultants, and still others have entered medical school or law school.
Jobs and Employers
- Data Scientist, SeatGeek
- Process Engineer, DiCon fiberoptics
- Research Asst., Lawrence Berkeley Lab
- Software Engineer, Fuzzy
- Software Engineer, LimeBike
- Software Quality Ops. Assoc., Waymo
- Technical Consultant, Bridgepoint Consulting
Graduate Programs
- AI & Robotics, Masters
- Astronomy, PhD
- Astrophysics, PhD
- Electrical Engineering, PhD
- Law, JD
- Operations Research, Masters
- Physics, PhD
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit physics.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
Advising is available in 368 or 374 Physics North for all students who would like academic counseling related to physics. We can help maximize your educational experience! Students interested in the Physics major should come in for pre-major advising as soon as possible. Visit physics.berkeley.edu/administration/student-services(link is external) for more information.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
