Physics Program

The physics degree program at University of California – Davis instructs students on the scientific study of matter and energy, as well as the testing and formulation of laws that govern the behavior of the matter-energy continuum. Students who graduate the physics degree program may follow a career path in ecology, healthcare, archaeology, and more. Course instruction includes classes in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, and more. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer physics program.

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University of California – Davis

200 California Hall, Berkeley, CA

University of California - Davis (UCD), located in the northern city of Davis, California, offers the largest variety of degree programs among the University of California campuses.  UC Davis's programs are nationally ranked, thanks in part to the universities award-winning faculty.  UC Davis offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and specializations.

The agricultural and environmental sciences programs are particularly strong at UC Davis, and since its inception, it has continued to have a reputation as a good "farming school."

History

UC Davis was conceived in 1905 when Governor George Pardee signed into law an act to establish a university-level farm school of agricultural instruction and research within the University of California system.  In 1908, the first students of the University Farm School arrived in what was then known as "Davisville."

Academics

The academic calendar of University of California, Davis follows the academic quarter format, with fall, winter and spring quarters.  Summer sessions are also offered, and evening classes are offered through UC Davis Extension.

Colleges and Schools

The colleges and professional schools of University of California, Davis offer more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and 80 graduate degree programs.

• College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• College of Biological Sciences
• College of Engineering
• College of Letters and Science
• The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
• Graduate School of Management
• School of Education
• School of Law
• School of Medicine
• School of Veterinary Medicine

Student Life

There are many campus activities and resources available for UC Davis students including numerous clubs and organizations, more than one campus student union, the Graduate Student Association, the Cal Aggie Marching Band, music ensembles, dance and athletic groups, and more.  There is student housing, and university dining services include a coffee house and a café and pub. Student amenities include a variety of health services and academic support services.

Fraternities and Sororities

There are many chapters of fraternities and sororities available at UC Davis, and the Student Housing Greek Life Office offers support.  The mission of the Office of Greek Life is to foster a diverse and inclusive Greek community, empower students to develop leadership skills, and build strong relationships between Greek organizations and with the surrounding community.

Athletics

The UC Davis "Aggies" athletics teams compete in many intercollegiate sports including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Water Polo

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross County
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Community Life

The city of Davis, California offers a full community calendar of activities including "Scrabble at Picnic in the Park," "Spring Plant Sale at the UC Davis Arboretum," as well as art exhibits, musical and dance performances, and more.

Students Enrolled in the Physics Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. University of California – Davis has offered the following programs for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley, CA Metropolitan Division
  • Average Hourly Rate: $74.96
  • Average Annual Salary: $155910
• San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $96.35
  • Average Annual Salary: $200400

Physicists

Description

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, physicists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley, CA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 120
  • Average Hourly Rate: $67.73
  • Average Annual Salary: $140870
• San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA Metropolitan Division
  • Average Hourly Rate: $55.69
  • Average Annual Salary: $115830

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Description

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).