BA Physics at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

Everything around you is influenced or governed by physics. Physics seeks to understand the fundamental workings of the universe, from the smallest particles like neutrinos to the vast structure of the cosmos. It unveils the underlying principles governing the world around us and serves as the cornerstone of all natural sciences, including chemistry, biology, oceanography, and geography. The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a range of degree tracks tailored to various interests and career paths:

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Physics and Astronomy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

Required courses include PHYS 118 Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity; PHYS 119 Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta; PHYS 281L Experimental Techniques in Physics; PHYS 331 Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I; PHYS 201 Basic Mechanics; PHYS 401 Mechanics I.

Career pathways

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a range of degree tracks tailored to various interests and career paths: B.A. Tracks Physics Astrophysics These tracks align with diverse employment opportunities for physics graduates, spanning high schools, government laboratories, financial institutions, medical facilities, data science, and high-tech industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level admission applies (not programme-specific): apply through UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Admissions; international applicants submit an English proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2) unless they qualify for the waiver, and transcripts translated into English.

Domestic applicants: USD 7,230 a year (2026-27). Full-time (12+ credit hours) undergraduate tuition for the year, stated as the tuition line of the 2026-27 in-state budget; one undergraduate rate band applies to all undergraduate degree programmes (NC resident rate, $3,615 per semester on the University Source

International applicants: USD 47,472 a year (2026-27). Full-time (12+ credit hours) undergraduate tuition for the year, stated as the tuition line of the 2026-27 out-of-state budget; one undergraduate rate band applies to all undergraduate degree programmes (non-resident rate, $23,736 per semester on the Univ Source

First-year applicants apply for fall enrollment (fall 2027 entry); transfer applicants apply through the Common Application with decisions by April 30.

First-year Early Action (non-binding): application deadline October 15, decision by December 20 for North Carolina residents and by February 15 for all other applicants. Regular Decision: application deadline January 15, decision by March 31. Enrollment confirmation deadline for both is May 1. Apply through the Common Application. The non-refundable application fee is $85, with a fee waiver available. SAT or ACT scores are optional with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale; students below 2.8 must submit an ACT of 17 or higher or an SAT of 930 or higher.

Transfer applicants: application and fee or waiver due February 15; supporting materials and residency due March 15; decisions by April 30; enrollment confirmation by May 15. Apply through the Common Application; the non-refundable application fee is $85.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.unc.edu/

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