Study the fundamental laws that govern the universe.
Physics 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, just to name a few).
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics in the College of Letters & Science provides a broad and solid background in fundamental physics through introductory course work, and engages all our majors who are interested in current research with some of the top research groups worldwide. The program is designed to give students a solid foundation in physics to prepare them for work in the field or a physics graduate program.
Highlights
- Join a Physics student organization.
- Explore special Physics topics in the Physics Directed Reading Program.
- Pursue research opportunities with faculty and peers.
Curriculum
The Physics undergraduate program begins with lower division 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).
Learn more at physics.berkeley.edu/academics/undergraduate-degree
Student Research
Our department provides a variety of channels for students to get involved with real scientific research. Through research, you will strengthen your physics background knowledge by applying it to real problems, and develop crucial skills needed for careers in science and industry, such as collaboration, independent problem-solving, and communication. Many research groups will organize projects specifically tailored to undergraduates, and you will often be put under the mentorship of a senior graduate student or a postdoctoral scholar.
Declaring the Major
Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. You are eligible to declare the Physics major when you have completed all lower division requirements (or their equivalent) with a 2.0 GPA along with a 2.0 GPA in all University courses. Declaration is done via the Major Declaration Form and the department will consider applications throughout the academic year.
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.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Physics. The Department of Physics offers workshops, panels, and sessions throughout the year on both graduate school and careers. The College of Letters & Science hosts MPS 101, a career development course, and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Data Scientist
- Process Engineer
- Quantum Architect
- Research Assistant
- Software Engineer
- Software Quality Operations Associate
- STEM Teacher
- Technical Consultant
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- AI and Robotics
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Electrical Engineering
- Law
- Medical Physics
- Operations Research
- Physics
Gina, class of 2012
Gina Quan (BA, Physics) is an Associate Professor of Physics at San Jose State University.
At UC Berkeley, Gina was a member of the Compass Project, an early start program for freshmen interested in physical sciences. She shared “It was an incredible way to start at Berkeley because I created a support network of core friends.” At the University of Maryland, Gina’s PhD dissertation focused on inclusive learning spaces which support community building and reflection, and identity development within these spaces. Her current research focuses on fostering equity, authentic physics practices, and cultural change within physics departments.
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and the L&S New Freshman Student Guide.
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the Physics major; begin lower division requirements for the major (PHYSICS 5 or 7 series, and MATH 51 and 52).
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or Berkeley Changemaker course.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a Physics or other student organization.
- Access resources from MPS Scholars and the Student Learning Center.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Get introduced to research via ULab.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Physics website.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Start using Handshake to connect with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Complete MATH 53, the PHYSICS 5 or 7 series, and PHYSICS 89; enroll in PHYSICS 77 to learn Python skills.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; check out options for Physics abroad.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
- Verify you have completed the major prerequisites and declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend Physics seminars, colloquia, and other department events.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair for Math and Physical Sciences.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and Physics websites; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or SENDforC.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into UC LEADS and the Goldwater Scholarship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Begin taking upper division requirements in the major (PHYSICS 137A + 137B, 110A, 105).
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Spend a term off-campus through UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
- Consider applying to the Physics Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Get involved in public education with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Explore special topics in theoretical physics with the Physics Directed Reading Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Enroll in MPS 101 Careers in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
- Join a professional association such as the American Institute of Physics.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Complete upper division requirements (PHYSICS 111A + 111B, 112, and elective).
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups such as UC Berkeley Physics.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Engage in research via Berkeley Physics, N3AS, National Science Foundation, or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Interested in science administration? Apply to the NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science and Sustainability.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with the Pre-Core Transfer Summer Program and PHYSICS 153 Transfer Course for Physical Science Majors.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans; read info for transfer students.
- Begin upper division requirements (PHYSICS 110A and 137A); enroll in PHYSICS 77 to learn Python skills.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
- Verify you have completed the major prerequisites and declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a Physics or other student organization.
- Find support at the Transfer Student Center or Re-entry Student Program.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Access resources from MPS Scholars and the Student Learning Center.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Get introduced to research via ULab.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Physics website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue with upper division requirements (PHYSICS 137B and 105).
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; check out options for Physics abroad.
- Consider applying to the Physics Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend Physics seminars, colloquia, and other department events.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair for Math and Physical Sciences.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and Physics websites; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Explore special topics with the Physics Directed Reading Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into UC LEADS and the Goldwater Scholarship.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Keep working on upper division requirements (PHYSICS 111A and 112/elective).
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Spend a term off-campus through UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Transfer Peer Advocate or PHYSICS 153 Transfer Student Mentor.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Get involved in public education with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or SENDforC.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Enroll in MPS 101 Careers in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association such as the American Institute of Physics.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Complete upper division requirements (PHYSICS 111B and 112/elective).
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups such as UC Berkeley Physics.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Engage in research via Berkeley Physics, N3AS, National Science Foundation, or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Interested in science administration? Apply to the NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science and Sustainability.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Physics or choosing a major?
The Department of Physics offers undergraduate advising to students interested in the major and minor. We provide a number of resources to help students navigate their academic career including program advising, career and graduate school workshops, research information, and social activities. For advising contacts and additional information, visit physics.berkeley.edu or email physics-student-services@lists.berkeley.edu.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.
Related Programs
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