University of San Diego

What you'll study

The programme builds a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, applied mathematics and experimental methods before moving into specialised topics in nuclear and particle physics. You will follow a coherent sequence of core courses alongside electives that allow depth in subfields and complementary skills such as computation and instrumentation.

• Core physics sequence: Introductory mechanics, electromagnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics.
• Mathematical and computational training: Calculus through multivariable, linear algebra, differential equations and mathematical methods for physicists; computational physics and scientific programming for modelling and data analysis.
• Intermediate and advanced theory: Classical mechanics at an advanced level, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics I & II, statistical and thermal physics.
• Nuclear and particle physics courses: Introduction to nuclear physics, nuclear structure and reactions, particle physics (including topics such as the Standard Model and detector concepts), and an introduction to scattering theory and relativistic quantum mechanics appropriate for particle phenomenology.
• Laboratory and experimental skills: Progressive experimental physics labs emphasising measurement, error analysis and modern instrumentation; specialised labs in radiation detection, accelerator-based techniques or particle detectors where offered.
• Capstone and research: Senior thesis or capstone project in nuclear or particle physics under faculty supervision, often involving experimental work, data analysis or a substantial theoretical/computational study.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: Courses such as condensed matter physics, medical physics, astrophysics, instrumentation, electronics for physicists and advanced computational methods; opportunities to take relevant electives in mathematics, computer science and engineering.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school diploma and demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics and science. Typical preparation includes high-school calculus (or equivalent) and physics; advanced-placement or A-levels in mathematics and physics are advantageous. Admission decisions consider overall academic record, letters of recommendation and a personal statement that indicates interest in quantitative science and research.

Successful candidates usually present a strong record in quantitative coursework and problem-solving; students without all prerequisites may be admitted but will need to make up key foundation courses in their first year. Prospective transfer students are evaluated on college-level coursework in calculus, physics and related subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in nuclear and particle physics have diverse career pathways. Many continue to graduate study in physics, nuclear engineering, medical physics or related fields. Others move into technical and applied roles in industry, such as instrumentation, data science, software development, and semiconductor or aerospace sectors.

• Academic and laboratory research positions, including work at national laboratories and university research groups.
• Engineering and technical roles that value strong analytical and experimental skills.
• Data science, quantitative analysis and software development across finance, technology and biotech industries.
• Applied physics roles such as medical physics, radiation safety, or instrumentation and detector development.
• Secondary-school or community-college teaching following appropriate certification and credentialing.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a physics programme that emphasises undergraduate teaching, close faculty mentorship and hands-on laboratory experience. Class sizes tend to be smaller than at large research universities, which facilitates direct interaction with professors and easier access to research supervision.

Students benefit from modern teaching laboratories, opportunities for undergraduate research projects, and the ability to pursue interdisciplinary coursework across mathematics, engineering and computer science. The university's location in the San Diego region also provides access to a broad ecosystem of research institutes, technology companies and potential internship opportunities. The programme aims to prepare students for both advanced study and technical careers by combining rigorous theory, experimental practice and transferable computational skills.