B.S. in Physics with astronomy focus

At UC Riverside, you’ll gain real-world skills in astronomy and physics by working directly with world-class telescopes, leading research teams, and advanced computational tools. From your first year, you’ll be immersed in hands-on projects and have access to unique resources that set our program apart. You’ll learn not just in the classroom, but also by doing—using the same facilities and software as professional astronomers and physicists.

Here’s how you’ll build your expertise and stand out as a future scientist:

• Direct access to the Keck and Lick Observatories: As part of the UC system, our students and faculty use the Keck (Hawaii) and Lick (California) telescopes for research and advanced coursework, giving you the chance to work with some of the most powerful telescopes in the world.

• Pierce Hall Physics & Astronomy Laboratories: Modern teaching and research labs where you’ll gain hands-on experience with optics, electronics, and experimental physics, as well as data analysis using up-to-date scientific instrumentation.

• Faculty-led research groups: Join dynamic teams in areas like extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, black holes, and astrophysical data science. You’ll collaborate closely with professors on real projects, often leading to conference presentations or published research.

• Advanced computational resources: Use departmental computing clusters and specialised software for astrophysical simulations, big data analysis, and image processing—skills highly valued in both academia and industry.

• Opportunities for national lab collaboration: Participate in UC-Lab partnerships with Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, where students can contribute to groundbreaking research.

• Society of Physics Students (SPS) UCR Chapter: Get involved in national SPS activities, develop leadership skills, and help organise educational events and outreach, all while building your professional network.

• Early research involvement: Our program encourages you to join research teams as early as your sophomore year, giving you a head start on building your resume and scientific portfolio.

• Teaching, tutoring, and outreach: Develop your communication and leadership abilities by participating in community service, tutoring, and science outreach programs.

Graduates of the University of California, Riverside’s B.S. in Physics with an astronomy focus are prepared for rewarding careers as research scientists, data analysts, technical specialists, and science educators. UCR alumni work in research labs, observatories, tech companies, and educational institutions, leveraging their strong analytical, mathematical, and scientific communication skills.

Here’s how UCR helps you build your future:

• Faculty Mentoring and Small Class Sizes: You’ll benefit from small upper-division classes and individual mentoring from faculty, ensuring you get personalised guidance and support throughout your studies.

• Career Preparation and Outcomes: The program’s rigorous physics and astronomy curriculum equips you with science-based mathematical, writing, and analytical skills, preparing you for roles in education, engineering, law, medicine, industry, academia, and government. UCR physics and astronomy graduates are well-regarded for their problem-solving abilities and adaptability across a broad range of fields.

• Research Opportunities and Industry Partnerships: UCR encourages undergraduates to participate in leading-edge research with faculty, including access to world-class observational facilities such as the Keck and Lick telescopes. The department’s strengths in extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and astrophysical data science offer unique hands-on experiences.

• Accreditation and Reputation: UC Riverside is part of the prestigious University of California system, fully accredited, and recognised as a world-leading centre for astronomy research and education.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop a robust foundation in both fundamental physics and specialised astronomy, making them highly competitive for jobs and graduate programs. Many alumni pursue advanced studies or careers in research, teaching, and technical fields.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your B.S. in Physics with an astronomy focus at UCR, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a master’s in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, opening doors to advanced research, university teaching, or technical leadership roles at observatories, research institutions, and space agencies.