Physics Program

The physics degree program at University of California – San Diego 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 – San Diego (UCSD)

900 University Ave, Riverside, CA

University of California - San Diego (UCSD) is a top-ranking academic and research institution in the University of California system.  It is situated along the Pacific Ocean on a campus of coastal woodlands.  UCSD offers hundreds of academic degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. It also offers many professional degrees.  Its academics cover a wide range of disciplines including science, technology, social sciences, medicine, business and the humanities.

The school offers a diverse selection of interdisciplinary programs with many majors and minors in innovative areas.  UCSD has an award-winning faculty, all of whom are experts in their fields, at the cutting edge of science, medicine and technology.  The UCSD faculty boasts many Nobel Prize winners, two Pulitzer Prize winners, a Tony Award, and an Academy Award, among others.

The Chancellor of UCSD has been leading a "Leadership Team" for several years with a goal of influencing the local, national and global communities for the university.

UCSD has a strong Extension and Lifelong Learning program, offering more than 130 academic programs, professional education and public service courses to the San Diego community.

History

UCSD was founded in the 1960s as a research institution, which evolved out of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, founded in 1903.  UCSD grew over the next three decades into a more comprehensive academic institution, in addition to being the nation's first oceanographic institution.  From the beginning, its faculty has included top experts in science and research, including the areas of physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and climate.

Academics

The academic calendar for the University of California at San Diego follows the quarter system, with fall, winter and spring quarters running from 55-60 days each.

Colleges and Schools

UCSD has six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, five graduate and professional schools.

Divisions and Schools:

• Arts & Humanities
• Biological Sciences
• Jacobs School of Engineering
• Physical Sciences
• Rady School of Management
• School of International Relations and Pacific Studies
• School of Medicine
• Scripps Inst. of Oceanography
• Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Social Sciences

Undergraduate Colleges:

• Marshall
• Muir
• Revelle
• Roosevelt
• Sixth
• Warren

Student Life

The UCSD campus is located near the Pacific Ocean, and is not far from the Mexico border.  There are many places to explore in the area, and the weather contributes to rich opportunities for outdoor activities. UCSD has a page on its website called "Campus Fun 101," which links students to a host of activities and opportunities for engagement.  There are more than 400 student clubs, organizations, societies, adventure excursions, group activities, sporting events, theatre performances, art tours, aquarium visits, and more.

UCSC students will also find opportunities to study abroad, engage in career preparation programs, and participate in leadership training, among others.  There are also many student services available including wellness facilities, a cross-cultural center, and more.

Campus housing and dining are available, and there are excellent fitness facilities and swimming pools.

Traditions

The UCSD school colors are blue and gold. Each college at UCSD hosts many traditional events each year that are open to all students on campus. One of these traditional events is "Warren Live," a music concert from Warren College held in the spring that features headline musical groups.

Athletics

The UCSD "Tritons" athletics teams participate in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Crew
• Cross Country
• Fencing
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Crew
• Cross Country
• Fencing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Community Life

UCSD offers many opportunities for volunteerism in the San Diego community and involvement in local non-profit organizations.  Its Center for Student Involvement provides information about how to get involved in programs focused on environment, youth, hunger, and more.

Students Enrolled in the Physics Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. UCSD has offered the following degree levels 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

• Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
  • Total Employment: 130
  • Average Hourly Rate: $51.82
  • Average Annual Salary: $107780

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

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).