Continuing students interested in pursuing a major in physics are encouraged to explore the program further. However, please note that your time-to-degree will be influenced by several factors, including the coursework you've completed at the time of declaration, our scheduling of upcoming courses, and their prerequisites. Keep these considerations in mind as you consider embarking on this academic journey.
Ahead of declaring a major in physics, please consider the following:
- Do I know the Physics Major Requirements? For this, check out the current major requirements (students who add physics as their single/double major are NOT permitted to follow any of the past major checkilists).
- Am I on track in Physics? For this, check the standard academic plan for your admit type. Since most required major courses are offered only once per year, time-to-degree could be delayed by up to one year for students who are not on track with the standard academic plan for their admit type. If you are not on track, it imperative that you contact Physics (see step 3) so we can advise you on next steps.
- Have I spoken with the Physics Advising Team since Physics became uncapped?
- Current UCSD students must contact Physics through the Virtual Advising Center (VAC)
- Incoming admits who do not yet have access to the VAC must email advising@physics.ucsd.edu
Students who declare a major in physics should immediately review the Slides from the Physics Orientation and the Physics Advising Options and Information.
If a major in physics will not best suit you, please consider a Minor in Physics.
If a major or minor in physics will not best suit you, but you are interested in learning core physics topics, pleae carefully review and complete the prerequisites as listed (see here). Non-majors will need to use EASy to request preauthorization to enroll in core physics topics at the upper-division level (approval will be granted, space permitting after all physics majors have enrolled).