University of California, Santa Cruz campus

Engineering

MS Physics at University of California, Santa Cruz

University of California, Santa Cruz, United States

Programme overview

The Physics MS lets students perform research in any area covered by the department, developing laboratory and computational skills. Each student is assigned a faculty adviser who designs a coursework plan; research areas include particle physics, condensed matter, biophysics and materials.

Faculty: Physical and Biological Sciences Division  |  Department: Physics  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses include Classical Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Electromagnetism I, Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics, plus four electives from options such as Quantum Field Theory, Particle Physics, General Relativity, Condensed Matter and Computational Physics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UC Santa Cruz graduate admission: bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university awarded before the entry quarter, a B average or better in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, and demonstrated English proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English: TOEFL iBT minimum 83 (4.0 on the 2026 scale) or IELTS Academic overall 7; waiver may be requested by applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree from an English-speaking institution. GRE General and Subject tests not required. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation (up to five accepted). The application procedure and requirements for the MS are identical to the PhD. Materials: resume, statement of purpose (1-2 pages), personal history statement (1-2 pages). Application deadline: December 14 (Physics MS/PhD). Application fee $135 domestic, $155 international.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). California resident graduate tuition; excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees and health insurance Source

International applicants: USD 15,102 a year (2026-27). Nonresident Supplemental Tuition, charged in addition to the 13,722 tuition for non-California residents and international students Source

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