The Physics Honors Program
The Department of Physics offers an Honors Program for physics majors who demonstrate excellence in the major. Eligibility for the Honors Program includes prior completion of all required lower-division physics courses, nine upper-division physics courses, and a GPA of at least 3.50 in the physics major.
The Honors Program consists of a minimum of eight units of Honors Thesis Research (Physics 199H), an Honors Thesis, and the presentation of the research to faculty and peers at UC San Diego's Undergraduate Research Conference or an Undergraduate Seminar.
Students who successfully complete the Honors Program and who have maintained a GPA of at least a 3.50 in the physics major will have one of the following designations on their diploma, based on an average of their physics major GPA and the grade for their research project:
3.50 – 3.67 "with Distinction"
3.68 – 3.85 "with High Distinction"
3.86 – 4.00 "with Highest Distinction"
Applications to the Physics Department Honors Program must be submitted via EASy and are due NLT Friday of week 1 in the term you want to start the program (see instructions here). Late applications will not be accepted.
- Learn about research opportunities in Physics
- Download the Physics Honors Program Application Packet
See the Frequently Asked Questions about the Honors Program.